CBP Field Operations Makes Substantial Hard Narcotics Seizure Worth Over $4 Million at Pharr International Bridge

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge seized $4.2 million worth of methamphetamine and heroin hidden within a commercial trailer containing fresh produce.

“This interception of dangerous drugs truly exemplifies the teamwork of our officers working at our cargo facility,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Being able to detect anomalies within your work environment is how our officers are able to dig further and follow their inquisitive instinct, which usually produces positive results.”

On September 19, a red Kenworth tractor/trailer hauling a commercial shipment of fresh limes arrived at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility. After referring the conveyance for a vehicle non-intrusive imaging system inspection (NII), the shipment was sent to the secondary inspection dock for further examination. During the course of the inspection, officers discovered 86 packages of alleged methamphetamine and six packages of alleged heroin concealed within the trailer.

CBP OFO seized the methamphetamine and heroin, which weighed 258 pounds (117 kg.) and 27.56 pounds (12.5 kg.), respectively and seized the tractor/trailer as well. The estimated street value is $3,611,000 for the methamphetamine and $625,000 for the heroin.

The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents.