TUSCON, AZ - The Port of Nogales just witnessed a new record-breaking drug bust, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized the largest methamphetamine load in Arizona ports history: 600 packages of drugs—or about 690 pounds with a street value of $690,000. The nefarious substance was hidden in a tractor trailer carrying tomatoes and bell peppers.

“CBP Officers are focused on our highest priorities, which includes stopping the flow of hard narcotics such as methamphetamine and opioids from entering our country,” said Area Port Director Michael Humphries. “Our officers prevented these dangerous drugs from causing devastation to families and ultimately saving many lives, not only in our community but throughout the United States.”

CBP Officers at Nogales’ Mariposa Cargo Facility first discovered the methamphetamine in a non-factory floor compartment of the tractor trailer following an alert by a CBP narcotics detection canine, according to a press release.

“As proud partners of CBP, we stand ready to investigate drug seizures discovered at the ports of entry by those who are uniquely qualified in stopping attempts of illicit drugs from entering the United States,” said Juan Mariscal, the Nogales Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI remains dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe."

Following the bust, the driver was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Although drug busts are not ANUK’s favorite record-breaking news, our team will continue to keep you in the know on how our industry’s leaders are helping to keep fresh produce as clean as can be.