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

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.”

The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).