PHARR, TX - Unfortunately, drug smugglers are at it again, this time victimizing a shipment of fresh cucumber pickles. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility recently intercepted over $4 million worth of methamphetamine hidden amongst a shipment of fresh produce.

“This substantial quantity of hard narcotics will not make its final destination in the United States,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. “This interdiction reinforces our officers’ role in advancing CBP’s border security mission by preventing dangerous drugs from entering and negatively impacting our communities.”

CBP officers assigned to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility on April 17 referred a tractor/trailer hauling a shipment of fresh cucumber pickles for a more thorough examination, a press release explained.

Following a non-intrusive imaging (NII) system inspection, authorities discovered 114 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 217 lbs (98.5 kg), totaling $4,343,000 worth of the illicit substance.

The officers seized the narcotics and the trailer, and the case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

AndNowUKnow gives our deepest thanks to the border officials who work to protect our precious fresh produce.