Truckload of broccoli with $18.5 million in drugs stopped
A load of fresh broccoli entering the U.S. at a Texas border entry was found to have almost $18.5 million worth of narcotics hidden in the trailer.
Customs and Border Protection officers found the drugs, mostly methamphetamine, Feb 16 at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge crossing, according to a news release.
An officer referred the tractor-trailer to a cargo facility for further examination, where 432 packages of suspected narcotics were found in the trailer, according to the release.
That included:
- Methamphetamine: 895 pounds, valued at $18 million;
- Marijuana: 202 pounds, valued at $40,000;
- Heroin: Almost nine pounds, valued at $353,000; and
- Cocaine: 3.3 pounds, valued at $25,500.
The case is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, according to the release.
“This was truly a notable seizure in the commercial environment,” Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas director. “Our officers’ ability to maintain an excellent enforcement posture while keeping trade flowing and uninterrupted is one of our main priorities.”
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