Laredo, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Texas uncovered nearly 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of frozen mangoes, valued at over $16 million, officials confirmed Monday. The seizure marks another major drug bust at the southern border following a $50 million meth discovery earlier this year.
Meth Found in Produce Shipment
Authorities said the tractor-trailer carrying the frozen mangoes was referred for a secondary inspection at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo last week. During the inspection, a canine unit helped agents locate 733 packages of what is believed to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 1,791 pounds.
Alberto Flores, director of the Laredo Port of Entry, noted,
“It is not unusual to encounter hard narcotics comingled with fresh produce.”
He added that the discovery resulted from an effective combination of targeted inspections and high-tech detection tools.
Value and Scope of the Seizure
According to U.S. officials, the illegal narcotics confiscated in this bust are valued at more than $16 million. This incident comes just weeks after border agents uncovered nearly $50 million worth of methamphetamine in two separate seizures in the same region, highlighting the pervasive nature of drug trafficking at the southern border.
Border Security and Investigation
Flores emphasized the significance of the seizure, stating,
“Seizures of hard narcotics on this scale underscore not only the pervasive nature of the drug threat but our steadfast commitment to keeping our border secure.”
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations are leading the ongoing criminal investigation, with additional details expected as the case develops.
Context on Drug Trafficking Tactics
U.S. border agents often encounter narcotics hidden within legitimate shipments, including fresh produce. This tactic allows traffickers to evade detection while transporting large quantities of drugs across the border. The use of high-tech screening methods and canine inspections has proven essential in intercepting these illicit shipments.
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