U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from the Office of Field Operations (OFO) intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine valued at $21.2 million at the Pharr International Bridge. The narcotics were concealed within a cargo shipment declared as tomatillos.
"This massive load of harmful narcotics will not make it to American streets thanks to our vigilant CBP officers who continue to thwart these smuggling attempts," said Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director for the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The interception occurred on January 8 when CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility inspected a tractor-trailer entering from Mexico. The inspection involved the use of non-intrusive inspection (NII) technology and a canine unit. Upon a physical examination of the shipment, officers discovered 398 packages of methamphetamine weighing approximately 2,379 pounds (1,079 kilograms) concealed within the trailer.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and the vehicle involved. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents have launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
For more information:
Roderick Kise
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Tel: +1 (202) 344-1780
Email: roderick.kise@cbp.dhs.gov
www.cbp.gov