PHARR, Texas — Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) found a semi truck with what was estimated as a multi-million dollar load of drugs.
According to a news release, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted suspected methamphetamine valued at more than $17 million concealed within a shipment manifested as blackberries.
“Our CBP officers use all available tools and technology to thwart smuggling attempts at our international crossings,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “This massive interception of meth illustrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
During the evening hours of March 23, CBP states its officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a commercial tractor trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection dock for further inspection utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment. During the examination, CBP officers extracted a total of 862 packages of suspected methamphetamine with a combined weight of 1,984.16 pounds (900 kg) concealed within the shipment of blackberries. The methamphetamine has a total estimated street value of $17,737,200.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigation special agents initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure.
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.
