PHARR, TX - Last week, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility intercepted over 1,109 pounds of narcotics hidden inside of a broccoli shipment. In total, the illegal substances amounted to around $18,418,500.

“This was truly a notable seizure in the commercial environment,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. “Our officers’ ability to maintain an excellent enforcement posture while keeping trade flowing and uninterrupted is one of our main priorities.”

According to the CBP’s press site, this outstanding find occurred on February 16 at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility after a CBP officer referred a tractor/trailer hauling a commercial shipment of fresh broccoli for further examination. The first part of the inspection involved utilizing non-intrusive imaging equipment, which allowed the officers to discover a total of 432 packages of suspected narcotics hidden within the trailer.

Through further investigation, CBP officers removed and seized 341 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 895 pounds (406 kg) valued at $18,000,000; 87 packages of alleged marijuana weighing 202 pounds (91.5 kg) valued at $40,000; three packages of alleged heroin with a weight of 8.82 pounds (4 kg) valued at $353,000; and one package weighing 3.31 pounds (1.5 kg) of alleged cocaine valued at $25,500.

CBP OFO seized all the narcotics along with the tractor/trailer and the case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

AndNowUKnow will continue reporting on the latest in the fresh produce industry.