U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have seized nearly $15 million worth of alleged methamphetamine concealed in a shipment manifested as fresh celery at the Pharr International Bridge.
The seizure occurred August 15 at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility after CBP officers encountered a tractor-trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico. The shipment was manifested as fresh celery when CBP officers referred the tractor-trailer for a secondary inspection using nonintrusive inspection equipment.
The scan revealed anomalies within the shipment, prompting officers to conduct a physical inspection of the vehicle. CBP officers discovered 721 packages of alleged methamphetamine concealed inside the shipment. The packages had a combined weight of 1,675.51 pounds, or about 760 kilograms.
The narcotics were valued at approximately $14,978,000.
CBP seized the drugs and the tractor-trailer. Homeland Security Investigations special agents have launched a criminal investigation into the seizure.
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry credited CBP officers’ training and inspection technology for the interception.
“This successful seizure of methamphetamine is a direct result of our officers’ keen intuition combined with our sophisticated tools and technology,” Rodriguez said. “Our officers are trained to look beyond the surface, and when you pair that human expertise with the precision of our scanning equipment, it creates a formidable defense against those attempting to smuggle illegal narcotics into our country.”
CBP did not provide additional details about potential suspects or arrests in connection with the seizure.
The investigation remains ongoing.
In June, CBP officers at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo and the Pharr International Bridge seized more than $72.3 million worth of methamphetamine in two separate cargo inspections on the same day, The Dallas Express reported.
Provided by Dallas Express
