PHARR, TX - This week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) intercepted a shipment containing $18.5 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a commercial shipment of carrots. The seizure took place at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.

“This is truly a huge, notable interception of hard narcotics accomplished by our frontline officers in the cargo environment,” said Port Director Sylvia Briones, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas, in a press release. “Our officers’ mindset and dedication is genuinely apparent as evidenced by this outstanding seizure.”

On May 17, 2019, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility tagged a tractor-trailer pulling fresh carrots for further inspection. Using non-intrusive imaging equipment and a canine team, officers were able to uncover 384 packages of alleged methamphetamine—packages totaling approximately 929.5 pounds.

CBP OFO officers seized the packages, and the case currently remains under investigation by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Compromised carrots, corrupted cabbage, fugitive figs, or ne’er-do-well nanners—AndNowUKnow will continue to report when produce is used to evil ends along the border.