Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas intercepted a significant amount of methamphetamine with an estimated value of $31,169,000 concealed within a shipment of peppers. The discovery was made during a routine inspection at the port of entry on Sunday.
The tractor trailer, arriving from Mexico, was flagged for inspection upon attempting to enter the U.S. through the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility. CBP officers utilized non-intrusive inspection equipment during the examination, leading to the discovery of the illicit drugs.
Upon further investigation, officers uncovered 1,859 packages of suspected methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of serrano peppers. The total weight of the drugs was recorded at 2,155.02 pounds, highlighting the magnitude of the seizure.
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry commended the vigilance of CBP officers, emphasizing their role in preventing such a substantial quantity of methamphetamine from entering American communities. The successful interception underscores the dedication of CBP's Office of Field Operations in safeguarding the nation's borders.
Following the seizure, both the drugs and the vehicle were confiscated by the Office of Field Operations. A criminal investigation has been launched by special agents from Homeland Security Investigations to further probe the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling of the narcotics.
CBP's relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect the public from the harmful effects of illicit substances continue to be demonstrated through operations such as this recent interception at the Pharr International Bridge.
