$17 million worth of suspected methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of blackberries were intercepted by CBP officers at a South Texas international crossing.
SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $17 million worth of suspected methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of blackberries at a South Texas international crossing, authorities said.
The interception occurred March 23 at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility, where officers encountered a commercial tractor-trailer arriving from Reynosa, Mexico. The vehicle was referred for a secondary inspection using nonintrusive imaging equipment, officials said.
During the examination, officers discovered 862 packages of suspected methamphetamine hidden within the shipment, with a combined weight of 1,984.16 pounds or 900 kilograms. The drugs have an estimated street value of $17,737,200, according to CBP.
“Our CBP officers use all available tools and technology to thwart smuggling attempts at our international crossings,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “This massive interception of meth illustrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
Officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents have launched a criminal investigation into the case, authorities said.