US authorities discover 'highly intoxicated' Mexican lying face down in cargo as shipment crosses border

This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

US authorities say an immigrant suspected of entering the country illegally attempted to make his journey hiding in a shipment of red chilli while carrying a bottle of tequila to fortify himself.

US customs and border protection officers working at a New Mexico border checkpoint said the man was discovered on Thursday face down among a commercial load of chilli.

Columbus port director Robert Reza said next to the "highly intoxicated" 35-year-old was a bottle of the national liquor.

The man, who authorities described as a Mexican national, told agents that he climbed into the commercial hopper while it was being staged in Mexico. He got into the truckload of chilli in hopes of catching a ride to Chicago, the El Paso Times reported.

Agents said he got less than 100 metres into New Mexico before he was discovered. He would be sent back over the border, officials said.

The red chilli shipment was later released.