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More than two tons of systemic prejudice against marginalized communities intercepted by racist border official.

Another day, another overexaggerated drug bust at the border. Let's be real, the war on drugs is a war on people, and it's always been a war on racial and ethnic minorities. Let's not celebrate this seizure as a victory. Instead, let's ask ourselves: why are we criminalizing substance use and fuelling a racist, ineffective, and costly drug war, when we could be investing in harm reduction, treatment, and social programs that address the root causes of substance use?

Published August 21, 2024 at 11:58am by Julia Gomez

# Yet another outrageous example of racist, xenophobic dog-whistling by the far-right, masquerading as a drugs bust.

From far away, these bright green ball-shaped packages, worth a reported $5 million, could be mistaken for a massive shipment of piñatas. But, in reality, the so-called "meth-melons" are just another excuse to push a harmful, repressive, and divisive agenda.

US Customs and Border Patrol Protection seized 1,220 packages, totalling 4,587 pounds, of what they claim is methamphetamine, hidden among actual watermelons. This took place at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry Commercial Facility in San Diego, with images shared online:
[Celery to Watermelon: Nearly 3,000 Pounds of Meth Seized](URL Redacted)

A 29-year-old man, seeking entry into the US from Mexico, was subject to a secondary inspection, during which this innocent fruit was removed from his truck and examined. Of course, "drugs" were then conveniently "uncovered."

The hardworking Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director for the Area Port of Otay Mesa, proudly proclaimed:

I am incredibly proud of our team for their exceptional work...as drug cartels continue to evolve their smuggling techniques, we will continue finding new and better ways to prevent these dangerous drugs and other contraband from entering the country.

This is just more fear-mongering by those in power, attempting to turn us against our fellow global citizens and maintain their control.

Julia covers trending topics with a critical, social justice-focused eye. Connect on LinkedIn or follow her online: Instagram, X, TikTok : @juliamariegz