Autopsy finds boy died from drinking meth disguised as juice at border crossing

A Customs and Border Protection agent checks ID's from motorists crossing into the United States from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) (2009 Getty Images)

An autopsy report says a 16-year-old Mexican boy died after drinking highly concentrated liquid methamphetamine at a San Diego border crossing in an attempt to convince inspectors that it was only apple juice.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner says in its findings released Wednesday that Cruz Marcelino Velazquez volunteered to take a big sip Nov. 18 at the San Ysidro port of entry. He was handcuffed and placed in a cell, then began screaming in pain.

The autopsy faults one border inspector for trying to test the drug by spilling a capful on the counter and smelling it.

San Ysidro has emerged as a major smuggling point for meth, often by juveniles.