U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Roma Port of Entry in Texas seized more than $13 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of carbonated soft drinks, according to an announcement from the agency.
The incident took place on September 22, when CBP officers encountered a tractor trailer carrying a commercial load of soft drinks entering the United States from Mexico. Officers selected the vehicle for further inspection, which included nonintrusive technology and a canine team. During the physical search, they discovered packages containing what is believed to be methamphetamine inside the beverage shipment. The total weight of the drugs was 1,473.65 pounds (668.44 kilograms), with an estimated street value of $13,173,615.
“This large seizure of methamphetamine illustrates the seriousness of the drug threat we face every day and the resolve of our frontline officers to utilize technology and experience to prevent this poison from entering our country,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Roma Port of Entry.
Following the discovery, CBP officers seized both the narcotics and the vehicle involved. Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations have started a criminal investigation into the case.
CBP is recognized as America's largest law enforcement organization and describes itself as "the world's first unified border management agency." With over 65,000 employees, CBP enforces travel and trade regulations while working to ensure national security through various means including technological innovation and interagency cooperation.
