x
Breaking News
More () »

More than $31 million worth of meth seized in pepper shipment near Texas-Mexico border

The bundles of meth appeared to match the color of a shipment of serrano peppers heading into Texas.

PHARR, Texas — Authorities are praising the efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) after a massive meth bust over the weekend.

According to officials, more than $31 million worth of methamphetamine was found during an inspection at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge at the Texas-Mexico border.

On Sunday, a cargo facility came across a tractor-trailer coming from Mexico that supposedly contained serrano peppers. Authorities selected the shipment for a secondary inspection by using "non-intrusive inspection" equipment.

After a physical inspection, Border Patrol agents found 1,859 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing more than 2,155 pounds. The shipment was concealed in bags that appeared to match the color of the peppers and immediately seized. Officials said the shipment had a value of $31.1 million.

"Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant and intercepted this massive methamphetamine load, preventing it from reaching American streets," Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents have begun a criminal investigation into the shipment. The vehicle and drugs were seized by Border Patrol.

The bust comes after more than $17 million worth of meth was seized by agents at the same bridge in September. Officials said the meth found during that bust was found inside a shipment of coconuts.

Before You Leave, Check This Out