DRUG BUST: $18 MILLION Shipment of Hard Narcotics Found in Load of Broccoli

February 21, 2020

Pharr, TX – U.S. border officials intercepted a shipment of hard narcotics valued at more than $18 million this week at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials say the bust occurred on Sunday, February 16, after a CBP officer referred a tractor-trailer hauling a commercial shipment of fresh broccoli for further examination.

Utilizing non-intrusive imaging (NII) equipment, CBP agents discovered a total of 432 packages of suspected narcotics hidden within the trailer.

CBP officers removed and seized 341 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 895 pounds (406 kg) valued at $18 million.

However, that was not all.

Also discovered was 87 packages of alleged marijuana weighing 202 pounds (91.5 kg) valued at $40,000, three packages of alleged heroin with a weight of 8.82 pounds (4 kg) valued at $353,000 and one package weighing 3.31 pounds (1.5 kg) of alleged cocaine valued at $25,500.

Authorities seized all the narcotics along with the tractor-trailer.

CBP did not identify the truck driver or indicate if he/she was arrested.

“This was truly a notable seizure in the commercial environment,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/ Anzalduas. “Our officers’ ability to maintain an excellent enforcement posture while keeping trade flowing and uninterrupted is one of our main priorities.”