PHARR, TX - Another cargo of fresh produce was caught in the crosshairs of dastardly deeds. Yesterday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge found a commercial trailer hauling fresh broccoli containing $16,094,000 worth of alleged methamphetamine.
“This is a substantial amount of hard narcotics that our officers have detected and seized from drug trafficking organizations attempting to smuggle these drugs across our border,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “By preventing this drug load from reaching the U.S., CBP advances its border security mission, protecting our citizens and communities.”
According to its press release, the shipment was found on August 3 at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility. A CBP officer referred the shipment for further inspection, which included a non-intrusive imaging (NII) system inspection that allowed the officers to discover packages of suspected narcotics concealed within the trailer.
The inspection continued into the following day when ultimately officers removed 1,561 packages of alleged methamphetamine that weighed 804.69 pounds (365 kg).
CBP OFO seized narcotics, the conveyance, and arrested the driver. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) continue with the investigation.
We are truly thankful for the hard work the CBP OFO performs to keep our produce safe and healthy.
