Pharr, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than $14 million in methamphetamine hidden inside produce arriving from Mexico. The discovery was made Friday by the Office of Field Operations officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility.
In a statement, Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said the intercepted shipment had a valued of $14,620,900 USD. The narcotics were concealed within a shipment manifested as fresh bell pepper and cucumbers.
“Our CBP officers continue to use all tools and resources to safeguard our borders by preventing these harmful narcotics from reaching America’s streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On April 11, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection.
After physically inspecting the vehicle, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team, officers extracted 300 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 1,635.56 pounds (741.88 kg) concealed within the trailer.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.
