In a substantial bust at the Pharr International Bridge, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers thwarted an attempt to smuggle a substantial shipment of methamphetamine into the United States. The meth, with an estimated street value of $31,169,000, was disguised within a consignment of serrano peppers, as reported by a Customs and Border Protection press release.
Last Sunday, during an inspection of a tractor-trailer crossing from Mexico, CBP officers utilized non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment. This move, a part of their vigilant efforts to protect US streets, led to the discovery of 1,859 packages of the drug, weighing 2,155.02 pounds, "Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant and intercepted this massive methamphetamine load, preventing it from reaching American streets," Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, stated to Customs and Border Protection press release.
All told, the authorities confiscated nearly a ton of meth — 977.50 kg to be exact. The seizure represents a significant hit to the illegal narcotics trade. It illustrates the challenge law enforcement faces in stemming the flow of drugs. The narcotics, along with the vehicle, have been seized by CBP OFO, while Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents initiated a criminal investigation.