PHARR, Texas—In a major drug interception, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized a staggering $31,169,000 worth of methamphetamine concealed within a shipment of serrano peppers. The seizure took place on November 10, when CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers selected a tractor trailer crossing from Mexico for a detailed inspection.
Using non-intrusive inspection (NII) technology, CBP officers identified suspicious packages within the trailer, which led to a physical examination of the cargo. Upon closer inspection, officers uncovered 1,859 packages of alleged methamphetamine, totaling 2,155 pounds (977.50 kg), concealed amidst the peppers.
Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director at the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, praised the officers’ vigilance in intercepting such a large quantity of narcotics, noting that it prevented a substantial drug load from reaching American communities.
Following the discovery, CBP OFO seized both the narcotics and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents have since initiated a criminal investigation into the case.–News Desk