U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas, seized more than $16 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a frozen mango shipment earlier this month.
According to CBP officials, the seizure took place on September 9 after officers referred a tractor trailer transporting frozen mangoes for secondary inspection. During this process, which included a scan with a nonintrusive inspection system and a canine sweep, officers found 733 packages containing approximately 1,790 pounds of suspected methamphetamine concealed in the shipment.
“It is not unusual to encounter hard narcotics comingled with fresh produce and our officers employed an effective combination of targeting and high-tech tools to take down this significant methamphetamine load,” said Port Director Alberto Flores of the Laredo Port of Entry. “Seizures of hard narcotics on this scale underscore not only the pervasive nature of the drug threat but our steadfast commitment to keeping our border secure.”
CBP estimates that the street value of the seized drugs is over $16 million. The narcotics were confiscated by CBP, and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations have started a criminal investigation into the case.
CBP is recognized as America’s largest law enforcement organization, responsible for managing borders and enforcing regulations related to travel and trade across land, air, and sea. The agency employs over 65,000 personnel who work to maintain national security through various methods including technological innovation and interagency collaboration.
For updates on similar incidents or ongoing investigations in South Texas, follow CBP’s Laredo Field Office on X at @DFOLaredo or on Instagram at @dfolaredo.
