PHARR, TX - The plans of drug smugglers have been foiled once again. Officers with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility have intercepted individuals attempting to smuggle over $3 million in narcotics under the guise of fresh produce.

“Our frontline CBP officers exhibited great perseverance and dedication to the CBP border security mission of keeping dangerous drugs from crossing our border with Mexico, which resulted in these significant interceptions of hard narcotics at our cargo facility,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

CBP Officers were busy on May 29, as two attempts were made to smuggle narcotics within shipments of fresh produce. According to a press release, The first occurred when a tractor/trailer was inspected arriving from Mexico carrying fresh mangoes. Using all available tools and resources, officers uncovered 635 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 131 pounds. The packages have a street value of $2,623,500.

The second bust of the day came as officers inspected a shipment of fresh cabbage, in which they discovered 30 packages of alleged cocaine hidden within the tractor. The alleged narcotics weighed 73.5 pounds and are valued at $567,500.

All alleged narcotics were seized by officers, and the cases are now under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

A big thank you to officers who continue to keep our fresh produce safe from criminal actions.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection