U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in Texas recently intercepted a shipment containing over $1.6 million worth of cocaine hidden inside a trailer transporting limes.
According to CBP, the incident occurred on September 22 when officers encountered a tractor trailer attempting entry into the United States from Mexico. The vehicle was carrying a commercial shipment of limes. Officers selected the trailer for inspection using nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. During their examination, they discovered 50 packages of suspected cocaine weighing a total of 125.66 pounds (57 kilograms). The estimated street value of the narcotics is $1,677,852.
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry, commented on the seizure: "As this interception illustrates, our frontline CBP officers continue to shut down significant hard narcotics smuggling attempts utilizing an effective combination of inspection skill, experience and high-tech tools."
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP officers. Homeland Security Investigations special agents have initiated a criminal investigation into the matter.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization and unified border management agency with more than 65,000 personnel working to protect U.S. borders on land, in the air, and at sea. The agency emphasizes its role in enforcing safe travel and trade while supporting national security through technology and collaboration.
For updates from local CBP offices and more information about ongoing operations, follow official social media accounts or visit their regional pages online.
