U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge have intercepted a significant quantity of methamphetamine, valued at over $21.2 million. The narcotics were hidden within a shipment labeled as tomatillo.
"This massive load of harmful narcotics will not make it to American streets thanks to our vigilant CBP officers who continue to thwart these smuggling attempts," stated Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director for the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The discovery occurred on January 8 when CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility inspected a tractor trailer arriving from Mexico. The inspection process included non-intrusive inspection equipment and canine team screening. Upon physical examination, officers uncovered 398 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing nearly 2,379 pounds concealed within the trailer.
The CBP Office of Field Operations seized both the narcotics and the vehicle involved in this case. Homeland Security Investigations special agents have commenced a criminal investigation into the matter.
CBP is recognized as America's largest law enforcement organization and serves as a unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting U.S. borders on land, air, and sea while facilitating lawful travel and trade.