U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted a load of alleged methamphetamine worth $4,343,000 being smuggled in a commercial shipment of fresh produce.
“This substantial quantity of hard narcotics will not make its final destination in the United States,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. “This interdiction reinforces our officers’ role in advancing CBP’s border security mission by preventing dangerous drugs from entering and negatively impacting our communities.”
Packages containing 217 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge / Image: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
On April 17, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility referred a tractor/trailer hauling a commercial shipment of fresh cucumber pickles for a more thorough examination. After conducting a non-intrusive imaging (NII) system inspection, officers discovered 114 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 217 pounds (98.5 kg) concealed within the trailer.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and the tractor/trailer. The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
For more information: cbp.gov