CBP seizes more than $1.6 million in cocaine at Pharr International Bridge

PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $1.6 million in alleged cocaine concealed in a trailer hauling a shipment of limes. “As this interception illustrates, our frontline CBP officers continue to shut down significant hard narcotics smuggling attempts utilizing an effective combination of inspection skill, experience and high-tech tools,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry. On Sept. 22, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer hauling a commercial shipment of limes attempting to make entry to the U.S. from Mexico. A CBP officer selected the tractor trailer for inspection, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 50 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 125.66 pounds (57 kg) concealed within the trailer. The cocaine has a total estimated street value of $1,677,852. CBP OFO officers seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.