Officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Pharr International Bridge, located between South Texas and Mexico, uncovered a load of methamphetamine valued at over $14 million. This illicit substance was hidden within a shipment of vegetables.
The detection of the drugs concealed among bell peppers and cucumbers occurred on April 11. CBP officers stationed at the cargo facility of the international bridge intercepted a tractor-trailer crossing from Mexico into the United States.
After inspecting the truck, a CBP officer referred the 18-wheeler for further inspection.
The secondary inspection involved physically inspecting the truck using non-intrusive equipment as well as a canine team.
Several dozen commercial trucks wait to cross the Pharr International Bridge in Pharr, Texas. (Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images)
Recently, CBP had seized 650 pounds of fentanyl in March. This marked a 24% increase compared to the seizures made in February. This data comes from CBP’s monthly report for March, which was disclosed on Monday.
Nationwide, in March, seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana increased 47% from February.
Also, in March, cocaine seizures went up by 32% and methamphetamine seizures increased 72% from February.
