California Customs Officers Seize Drugs Terribly Disguised As Watermelons

California Customs Officers seized $5 million worth of methamphetamine that was (terribly) disguised as watermelons. Drug traffickers will often attempt to get creative in order to get their products across the border. People have tried hiding drugs in pants, crutches, car batteries, and more to try to sneak past authorities. Sometimes it works! However, often it doesn't, and that's how we know all the different ways they've tried. The latest is packages of drugs disguised as watermelons.

If you're very far away or looking at a blurry photo, you might think these were real watermelons. However, if you're in charge of checking shipments and see them with your own two eyes, there's no way you're going to be fooled. Up close, these do not look like real watermelons. It seems like US Customs and Border Protection officers in Southern California agree.

According to CNN, a 29-year-old man driving a commercial tractor-trailer attempted to enter the United States from Mexico with a shipment of manifested watermelons. However, the shipment was investigated for additional examination, and officers discovered 1,220 packages of methamphetamine wrapped in paper that resembled a watermelon, per CNN. It reportedly weighed roughly 4,600 pounds! In street value, that would equate to roughly $5 million. Which means someone out there is likely very upset about their missing shipment and a large sum of money.

The man was placed into the custody of Homeland Security Investigations, and the drugs and tractor-trailer were seized by Customs officers. It sounds like the bust was a part of Operation Apollo that's happening in Southern California and Arizona that's targeting fentanyl smuggling into the country. It sounds like the operation has been a success this far, as the agency has seized nearly 146,000 pounds of methamphetamine so far in 2024, per CNN. That's already more than what was seized last year.

You can see more about this story and check out the terribly disguised watermelons for yourself below. Would these have fooled you? I just can't imagine these getting past anybody! Even a child would know that it isn't a real watermelon! There have definitely been more clever attempts out there compared to this way. Sure, they tried, but they failed. Now, someone is out $5 million, and that can't be good for them.

What are the greatest stoner movies of all-time? It's almost that time, man. April 20th is creeping closer and closer and it's the one day stoners remembered to circle on their calendar. Year round we--I mean, they--wait for 4/20 to celebrate all things weed.

To celebrate the annual holiday (holidaze), here are 5 of the greatest stoner movies of all-time!

First, let's identify what separates a stoner movie from an ordinary movie. A stoner movie isn't just a movie that's great when you're smoking weed. That's just any movie. I've never heard of a movie that was made worse by THC. If anything, I've heard reports and rumors that it can make bad movies enjoyable...allegedly.

A stoner movie has to have marijuana as a main plot point. Something about the general theme of the movie has to involve weed in some sort of fashion. They can be using weed a lot, selling, locating, or anything like that. If it's not a central part of the plot it's not a stoner movie.

These movies are great to watch anytime--but especially on April 20th. There's just something special about watching a stoner classic on 4/20 to celebrate 420. It's like watching a horror movie on Halloween night. It just feels right. Somehow, it makes the movie even better. You can prepare all your favorite munchies and snacks, some delicious sugary beverages to help the cottonmouth, and then relax to a fantastic movie.

There are definitely no shortage of stoner movies out there available to stream. However, most of them are low-budget and kind of meh. Don't get me wrong I love a good indie, but sometimes they just aren't as good as you hoped it would be. Granted, many Hollywood blockbusters and big budget movies end up going the same route.

Of all the stoner movies in the world, here are the first 5 I'd recommend! These are 5 of the greatest of all-time (in my opinion). Did I miss your favorite? Let us know!

Man, Pineapple Express is one of the greatest movies ever--not just when it comes to stoner movies. I remember the day I went to go see it in theatres, which is a massive surprise. We were definitely prepared that day. Sure, most of Seth Rogen's movies can be considered stoner movies, but this one takes the cake. That cross joint? A real game changer.

I love Half Baked. Personally, it's probably my go-to stoner movie for 420. It's absolutely a must play on April 20th. Dave Chappelle is at his best and the supporting cast is fantastic and delivers comedic gold. There are so many quotable lines in this movie, I'm still saying them all the time. Once and a while someone will pick up on it. If you haven't seen it you are definitely missing out!

Cheech & Chong have no shortage of great movies. However, one stands above the rest. Up In Smoke has long been my favorite movie starring the duo. I think it's the funniest and it still makes me laugh every time. It's hard to beat. 4/20 is the perfect day to check it out, if you haven't already.

I'm a sucker for Harold & Kumar movies. The original is absolutely a classic. However, I might like the second one (Escape From Guantanamo Bay) even more! It's terrible but there are so many laughs. Especially if you watch it on April 20th. If you've got the full day ahead of you, go ahead and watch the trilogy! Even the Christmas one isn't terrible.

I might be breaking one of my own rules here, but I think it's acceptable. Is marijuana a main plot point of the movie? No. However, the title is "Dazed and Confused." It's an iconic stoner movie that will forever live in 420 glory, regardless. I'm counting it as a stoner movie. Watch it on April 20th and you'll agree.