RIO GRANDE CITY, TX - A spicy drug bust took place at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry in Texas, as officers of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations seized more than 80 pounds of cocaine in a single enforcement action. The takedown unearthed over $1 million in illegal narcotics in a shipment of peppers.

“Our CBP officers continue to maintain strict vigilance in our cargo environment, and narcotic interdiction will always remain a major part of CBP’s mission to secure our border,” said Port Director Rogelio Olivares, Rio Grande City Port of Entry. “We remain dedicated to our mission of keeping the border safe.”

The seizure occurred when a CBP officer referred a commercial Kenworth tractor trailer, manifesting serrano and jalapeño peppers, for secondary inspection, noted the release. Following a thorough examination that included the use of a non-intrusive inspection system, CBP officers discovered 35 packages containing a total of 80.55 pounds of alleged cocaine within the trailer. The narcotics had a street value of $1,075,591.

CBP seized the narcotics, and Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure.

Thank you to CBP for its continued efforts to keep our fresh produce and border safe.