Federal agents at the Pharr International Bridge have successfully intercepted a massive shipment of methamphetamine, valued at over $17 million, hidden within a load of blackberries. This significant bust was announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Friday.
The seizure took place on the evening of March 23, when CBP officers conducted a secondary inspection of a tractor-trailer arriving from Reynosa, Mexico. During this thorough examination, facilitated by non-intrusive scanning technology, officers uncovered 862 packages of suspected methamphetamine concealed among the fruit shipment.
The total weight of the narcotics amounted to 1,984 pounds, with an estimated street value of $17,737,200. “This massive interception of meth illustrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe,” stated Carlos Rodriguez, the port director for the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
In addition to the drugs, CBP officers seized the tractor-trailer involved in the smuggling attempt. The investigation has since been taken over by special agents from Homeland Security Investigations, although there have been no updates regarding any arrests or the identity of the driver at this time.
