Big Rig Loaded With Produce Was Also Hauling a Bit More

Pharr, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized $1,150,000 worth of heroin and cocaine earlier this month, CBP announced last week.

CBP agents assigned to the Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility made the discovery on September 14, 2019, within a commercial truck arriving from Mexico.

CBP officers said they referred a tractor-trailer, loaded with fresh produce, for further inspection.

CBP said officers then utilized non-intrusive imaging systems equipment as part of the secondary examination, along with “all available tools and resources.”

Officials discovered 11 packages of alleged heroin and one package of alleged cocaine hidden within the Freightliner tractor, CBP said.

CBP OFO seized 28.22 pounds (12.8 kg) of heroin valued at $1,129,000 and 2.69 pounds (1.22 kg) of cocaine valued at $21,000 along with the truck.

CBP did not indicate whether the driver was arrested.

“I commend our officers for discovering these narcotics by utilizing technology and officer experience,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. “Being able to detect inconsistencies within vehicles or with people is crucial in the performance of our daily duties.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is continuing to investigate, according to CBP.

Within the last 30 days, CBP officers have made two other large big rig drug smuggling busts.

Click HERE for more on those.