U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered over 1,153 pounds of suspected methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of salad greens from Mexico at the Pharr International Bridge in South Texas. The narcotics, worth more than $10.3 million, were found hidden in brown boxes designed to mimic standard lettuce shipments. The discovery was made on November 21, when a truck arriving at the cargo facility was referred for additional checks with the huge stash found hidden in a shipment of lettuce coming in from Mexico.
Officers said they identified irregularities within the load of salad greens and a subsequent physical search uncovered 500 packages of suspected methamphetamine concealed within the salad leaves. A photo shared by CBP shows the brown boxes filled with tightly wrapped bundles of the alleged drugs. Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry emphasized that the seizure illustrated the importance of using advanced technology and procedures to intercept illicit contraband. He stated, ‘Within a shipment of salad greens, our frontline officers discovered contraband that does not belong on any holiday table.’ As this seizure aptly illustrates, our officers’ use of tools and technology were instrumental in this massive takedown of hard narcotics.
CBP’s Office of Field Operations seized both the illicit cargo and the commercial vehicle involved. According to the news release, Homeland Security Investigations has since opened a criminal inquiry into the smuggling effort. The bust comes just days before Thanksgiving, marking one of the larger methamphetamine seizures at the South Texas port of entry this year. No additional details surrounding the driver or any arrests have been released as the investigation is ongoing. The incident underscores the persistent threat of drug smuggling through agricultural products and the critical role of border security in preventing such illegal activities.