Eagle Pass, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Camino Real International Bridge intercepted a major narcotics shipment this week, uncovering nearly 90 pounds of liquid methamphetamine hidden inside plastic bottles during a vehicle inspection. The bust, valued at over $816,000, highlights the growing trend of smugglers using liquid-form meth to evade detection along the Texas-Mexico border.
The Incident: CBP Officers Discover Liquid Meth Shipment
The discovery occurred on October 29, when CBP officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry referred a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban for secondary inspection. Upon closer examination, officers located five plastic bottles concealed within the vehicle, each containing liquid methamphetamine.
CBP confirmed that the total weight of the drugs was 88.8 pounds, with an estimated street value of $816,556.
“This significant seizure was possible because of the continued vigilance and alertness our CBP officers put forth on a daily basis,” said Port Director Pete Beattie of the Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
The narcotics were seized on-site, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents have launched a federal investigation into the attempted smuggling operation.
Investigation and Evidence: Meth Hidden in Plain Sight
CBP officials said the liquid meth was disguised in common household-style plastic bottles, an increasingly popular tactic among drug traffickers attempting to move synthetic narcotics across the border undetected.
Following the seizure, CBP officers documented the evidence and shared details on social media, drawing both public attention and online humor with a reference to the movie Ghostbusters.
The agency captioned photos of the meth bottles: “When there’s something strange, in a vehicle, who you gonna call? Meth Busters!”
While the post generated viral engagement, officials reminded the public that the operation reflects serious criminal activity and a continued effort to prevent synthetic drugs from entering the United States.
Broader Enforcement Efforts Across the Texas Border
According to CBP data, liquid methamphetamine smuggling has been on the rise along the South Texas corridor. The agency has reported several similar interdictions in Laredo, Brownsville, and Pharr, where narcotics were hidden inside vehicle compartments and household containers.
These efforts are part of a wider CBP initiative aimed at disrupting the distribution of synthetic drugs, which are often processed in clandestine labs and trafficked through multiple border crossings before entering U.S. communities.
CBP’s Eagle Pass Port of Entry processes thousands of commercial and passenger vehicles daily, making it one of the most active crossing points in South Texas. Officials say the inspection that led to this seizure underscores the critical role of frontline officers in combating cross-border narcotics trafficking.
Statements and Public Warnings
CBP officials urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities that may be connected to drug smuggling or trafficking operations.
“Every successful interdiction represents a direct disruption to organized crime,” the agency said. “We continue to rely on community cooperation and law enforcement partnerships to keep our borders secure.”
Citizens can submit tips anonymously through the CBP Tip Line or contact local authorities for any suspected illegal activity near border areas.
Background Context: Growing Use of Liquid Meth in Trafficking
Experts say liquid methamphetamine has become a preferred smuggling method due to its concealability and ease of transport. Once inside the United States, traffickers typically convert it back into crystal meth form for distribution.
According to federal drug enforcement data, methamphetamine seizures across Texas ports of entry have risen sharply since 2022, as cartels adapt to tougher inspection technologies by disguising shipments within consumer goods.
The Eagle Pass seizure follows multiple multi-million-dollar busts this year, reinforcing CBP’s warning that traffickers continue to exploit border checkpoints using creative concealment methods.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
While CBP did not release additional details about the vehicle’s driver or possible arrests, the investigation remains active under the supervision of Homeland Security Investigations.
Officials say the seizure marks another success in the agency’s ongoing fight against drug cartels and transnational smuggling networks, particularly those dealing in methamphetamine and synthetic opioids.
CBP confirmed that enhanced inspections will continue across the Eagle Pass corridor to deter future attempts, with officers remaining vigilant against trafficking patterns that exploit passenger and cargo routes.
Conclusion
The 88.8-pound liquid meth seizure at Eagle Pass underscores both the scale and complexity of drug trafficking operations along the U.S.-Mexico border. As CBP ramps up enforcement and inspection technology, officials say their mission remains clear — to stop dangerous narcotics before they reach American communities.
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