LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at World Trade Bridge soured a hard narcotics smuggling attempt, seizing $16 million in alleged methamphetamine hidden in a frozen mango shipment, according to a Monday media release.
“It is not unusual to encounter hard narcotics comingled with fresh produce and our officers employed an effective combination of targeting and high-tech tools to take down this significant methamphetamine load,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Seizures of hard narcotics on this scale underscore not only the pervasive nature of the drug threat but our steadfast commitment to keeping our border secure.”
The seizure occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a tractor trailer hauling a shipment of frozen mango for secondary inspection. Following a nonintrusive inspection system scan and canine sweep, CBP officers discovered 733 packages containing 1,790.59 pounds of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the shipment.
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $16,006,837.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
