U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at Los Angeles International Airport intercepted nearly 300 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of solar panels, the agency announced Monday, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
The discovery was made during a cargo inspection at LAX. According to CBP, the narcotics were carefully concealed within aluminum-framed solar panels and packaged into uniform bricks.
Officials said the shipment was headed for New Zealand and was flagged due to prior intelligence.
A massive drug bust was unveiled at the Los Angeles International Airport after federal agents found hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine hiding in a shipment of solar panels. Details: https://t.co/Ki85iaBdKy [2] pic.twitter.com/qjyGIYnobn [3]
— KTLA (@KTLA) July 22, 2025 [4]
CBP did not disclose the identity of the sender or the recipient and reported that no arrests have been made in connection with the seizure.
Photos released by CBP showed officers dismantling the panels to reveal rows of wrapped packages containing the powerful stimulant. The agency shared the images on social media along with a caption mocking the traffickers:
“We do this every day. These ‘criminal masterminds’ never stood a chance.”
The seizure is the latest in a series of high-profile interdictions by CBP. Just last week, the agency highlighted the arrest of an alleged illegal alien in Buffalo, New York, who was caught wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the American flag.
CBP has routinely publicized such operations to demonstrate ongoing efforts to counter drug smuggling and border-related crimes.
CBP did not indicate whether the narcotics originated in the United States or were transshipped through the country. The origin and routing of the drug shipment remain under investigation.
Officials emphasized that continued cooperation with domestic and international partners plays a crucial role in identifying and intercepting illicit cargo. In this case, CBP credited the interception to intelligence received in advance of the shipment’s arrival at the airport.
Nearly 300lbs of meth disguised as solar panels were seized by CBP officers at LAX. The shipment, headed for New Zealand, was flagged based on prior intel and intercepted before export.
We do this every day. These “criminal masterminds” never stood a chance. pic.twitter.com/lnoAumQPZm [5]
— CBP (@CBP) July 21, 2025 [6]
CBP has increased scrutiny of international cargo amid growing concerns about transnational criminal organizations exploiting global shipping networks.
While the use of solar panels as concealment is unusual, officials said it reflects evolving tactics employed by traffickers seeking to avoid detection.
The agency has not released further details about the quantity of meth in terms of street value or potential prosecution by U.S. or foreign authorities.
The incident is under investigation by federal agencies, and CBP said updates will be provided as more information becomes available.