U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered over $31 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of serrano peppers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas on Sunday, November 10. During a routine inspection, officers found more than 1,800 packages of meth, weighing approximately 2,155 pounds, concealed alongside the peppers in a tractor-trailer originating from Mexico. In a statement following the seizure, Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director for Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, commented on the successful interception. “Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant and intercepted this massive methamphetamine load, preventing it from reaching American streets,” he said. The meth’s total estimated street value is $31,169,000, according to the CBP news release. The discovery came during a physical examination of the vehicle and shipment, revealing bundles of the illegal substance hidden within the produce. Officers immediately seized both the narcotics and the vehicle, with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents launching a criminal investigation. The incident highlights CBP’s ongoing efforts to monitor the U.S.-Mexico border for drug trafficking attempts. The Pharr International Bridge, a major port of entry, continues to be a key checkpoint in combating the illegal drug trade. Authorities report that interceptions like these are critical to preventing large amounts of methamphetamine from entering U.S. communities. This seizure adds to a series of recent high-value interceptions at the Texas-Mexico border, underscoring the vigilance of CBP officers in counteracting smuggling operations. 13 November 2024
