LAREDO, TX - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have recently seized what they are calling a “significant amount” of methamphetamine, valued at more than $3 million dollars, being smuggled alongside fresh avocados into the United States.
“CBP officers display exemplary vigilance in keeping dangerous drugs off our streets,” said Port Director Gregory Alvarez, Laredo Port of Entry, in a CBP press release. “The narcotics that were seized are the kind that have been devastating the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
The most recent seizure occurred last Wednesday; on March 1, customs agents at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge stopped and inspected a tractor trailer hauling avocados. A non-intrusive and canine inspection uncovered four packages alongside the avocados—allegedly containing 29 pounds of crystal methamphetamine with a street value of $589,069.
Another seizure on Tuesday, February 28 at the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge uncovered 132 pounds of crystal methampthetamine with a street value of $2,641,992.
The combined street value of the seizures was estimated at $3,231,061. The drivers of both vehicles were arrested and the drugs seized. Authorities were not forthcoming on the fate of the rapidly-ripening fruit.
Where will the next ne’er-do-wells attempt to infiltrate our industry, emerging from the seedy—or perhaps pitted—underworld to imperil our favorite fresh fruits and veggies? AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date.
