PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized approximately 1,173 pounds of suspected methamphetamine — with an estimated street value of $10,787,542 — from a commercial tractor trailer that had been manifested as a shipment of cabbage, according to the agency.
According to CBP, the seizure took place July 6 when officers referred the tractor trailer for a secondary inspection. A detector canine alerted to the vehicle, and a nonintrusive imaging system scan revealed anomalies in the trailer, the agency said. During a physical inspection, officers discovered 477 packages containing a combined 532.1 kilograms — about 1,173 pounds — of suspected methamphetamine hidden within the trailer, according to CBP.
The agency estimated the street value of the seized narcotics at $10,787,542. CBP said officers seized the narcotics, the tractor, the trailer, and the cabbage commodity.
“The threat of illicit narcotics is constant, but so is our vigilance. This interception is a powerful reminder that our CBP officers are on duty 24/7, employing every resource to detect and deter those who attempt to exploit our borders,” Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo Port of Entry said in a statement.
CBP said the seizure was carried out as part of the agency’s ongoing enforcement efforts along the southwest border. The agency added that under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, officers stop illegal activity while facilitating lawful entry for travelers into the United States.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity at ports of entry can report it to CBP by calling 1-800-635-2509.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
