U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Pharr International Bridge seized a sizable amount of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $880,000 this weekend. The narcotics were hidden inside a tractor-trailer purportedly hauling broccoli from Mexico into the United States, as reported by the CBP.
The discovery occurred last Friday when the CBP officers selected the tractor-trailer for further inspection upon its arrival at the cargo facility. According to the CBP statement, the officers relied on their vigilance and the aid of non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment to identify the contraband. “Our frontline CBP officers continue to exercise resolute vigilance, utilize their training, experience, technology and the end result is this significant seizure of cocaine,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, as conveyed in a statement obtained by CBP.
During the hands-on inspection of the vehicle, a total of 28 packages were discovered, concealing 65.96 pounds (29.92 kg) of a substance alleged to be cocaine. This seizure highlights the continuous challenges faced by border security agencies in intercepting illegal drug trafficking operations. The CBP OFO confiscated the narcotics along with the tractor and trailer involved, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents have initiated a criminal investigation following the seizure.
