U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas have seized more than $10.3 million worth of methamphetamine concealed in a shipment labeled as cereal ingredients.
On December 12, CBP officers inspected a tractor trailer that was carrying a commercial load of oat flakes entering the United States from Mexico. The vehicle was chosen for further inspection using nonintrusive technology and CBP canines. Officers then discovered 64 packages containing what is believed to be methamphetamine hidden within the oat flakes. The total weight of the narcotics was reported to be 1,156.32 pounds (524.50 kilograms), with an estimated street value of $10,336,846.
“Our frontline CBP officers shut down a significant meth smuggling attempt hidden within ingredients that shouldn’t grace anyone’s breakfast table,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “As this seizure perfectly illustrates, our officers continue to use their inspections skills and technological tools to prevent this poison from reaching American streets.”
The narcotics, along with the tractor and trailer, were seized by CBP. Homeland Security Investigations special agents have begun a criminal investigation into the incident.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization and the world’s first unified border management agency, with over 67,000 employees working to protect U.S. borders on land, air, and sea.
