CBP officers seize more than $17 million in methamphetamine at Pharr International Bridge

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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 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.