PHARR, TX – A painting may be worth a thousand words, but as criminals at the U.S. border recently found out, nefariously painted watermelons may be worth some far more serious implications. Authorities recently seized 3,000 pounds of marijuana from a commercial shipment, disguised as painted watermelon-shaped packages.

“Smugglers continue to be creative as they attempt to introduce illegal narcotics into our country,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo, of Pharr, and Anzalduas Ports of Entry. “Our frontline CBP officers’ experience, vigilance and attention to detail prevents the introduction of these dangerous drugs into our country.”

The bust occurred earlier this week at the Pharr International Bridge. Authorities at the cargo facility were surprised with the true contents of a commercial shipment of watermelon after referring a Thermo King tractor trailer for secondary inspection. Concealed amongst fresh watermelons, were their poorly camouflaged brethren.

Extracted from within the obviously painted imposters came 390 packages of the alleged drugs, due to the revealing nature of a non-intrusive imaging system and a canine team. Authorities clarified that once gathered, criminals were attempting to push a total of 3,000 pounds of marijuana across the border through the suspect melons.

Valued at approximately $600,092, the illicit haul was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations. The case is still under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents.

What arts and crafts will the seedy criminal world marry with fresh produce next, in their bootleg endeavors? Stay riveted with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report.