Grand Canyon Times

In a resolute interception, CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge thwarted a drug smuggling bid, unearthing nearly half a ton of methamphetamine cleverly concealed within a vegetable shipment.

"This massive shipment of narcotics will not make it to American streets thanks to our CBP officers who used their intuition and all our available tools and resources to stop this smuggling attempt."

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility successfully intercepted a significant drug smuggling attempt on August 4. The operation led to the discovery of a large quantity of methamphetamine cleverly concealed within a shipment of vegetables. The vigilant efforts of CBP officers, coupled with advanced inspection technology, prevented an estimated $4.4 million worth of narcotics from reaching American streets.

Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry lauded the actions of the CBP officers, stating, "This massive shipment of narcotics will not make it to American streets thanks to our CBP officers who used their intuition and all our available tools and resources to stop this smuggling attempt."

The incident unfolded when CBP officers flagged a tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico for further inspection. Employing non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment, the officers conducted a thorough assessment of the vehicle. Upon physical examination of the cargo, they uncovered 2,232 packages containing alleged methamphetamine, totaling 488 pounds (221.5 kg). The contraband had been concealed within the shipment of vegetables. This haul was valued at an estimated $4.36 million on the street.

While this seizure stands as a significant accomplishment in CBP's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, a comparison highlights the persistence of drug smugglers in attempting to infiltrate the country. Just a few months earlier, on May 27, 2023, CBP officers at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility made an even more substantial seizure.

During that operation, a 34-year-old male driver of a tractor-trailer manifested for kale raised suspicion during an initial inspection. Subsequent non-intrusive inspection revealed irregularities within the commodities. A thorough examination led CBP officers to discover a staggering 268 concealed packages within the kale shipment. Testing confirmed the contents as methamphetamine, with a total weight of 5,788.41 pounds and an estimated street value of $38.07 million.