Border officials discovered over 37 pounds of cocaine cleverly concealed among avocados at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas.
At a Glance
- Officials seized a trailer of produce carrying over 37 pounds of cocaine.
- The incident occurred at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas on September 13.
- 16 packages of cocaine were found hidden in a shipment of avocados.
- CBP seized both the narcotics and the tractor trailer.
Intercepting Cocaine at the Border
Border officials at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas made a significant drug bust on September 13. A trailer of produce was found to be smuggling over 37 pounds of cocaine into the United States. The narcotics were cleverly concealed among avocados. Officers found 16 packages of the schedule II narcotic during inspection. This bust underscores an alarming trend of drug traffickers using everyday produce to hide illicit cargo.
The Pharr International Bridge, located about 230 miles south of San Antonio, Texas, has seen increasing attempts at cocaine smuggling. On September 16, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released information about the bust, which involved non-intrusive technology and CBP canines to detect the narcotics. This operation illustrates the lengths smugglers will go to evade detection.
Coke seizure crushed in cargo: @DFOLaredo @CBP officers at #Pharr International Bridge seize $503K in cocaine in tractor trailer hauling avocados. @HSI_SanAntonio is investigating. Read more here: https://t.co/aginsz6B9U pic.twitter.com/Moc38y2gNn
— CBP South Texas (@CBPSouthTexas) September 16, 2024
Continued Trend in Drug Smuggling
CBP officers at Pharr seized over $503,000 in cocaine, with a street value of $503,355. The enormous seizure underscores the persistent threats posed by drug traffickers. In recent months, inspectors have found drugs hidden in fake watermelons, shipments of celery, and, like this instance, among avocados. The incident in August saw fake watermelons concealing over 4,500 pounds of methamphetamine at a U.S.-Mexico border crossing in California.
CBP’s Ongoing Efforts
CBP, the largest law enforcement organization in the U.S., remains at the forefront in the fight against drug trafficking. Homeland Security Investigations special agents have started a criminal investigation into the recent bust. The agency’s mission includes protecting America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas, facilitating lawful travel and trade, and ensuring economic prosperity and national security.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, nationwide seizures of cocaine have topped 53,783 pounds. Texas has some of the busiest border crossings in the U.S., with the Laredo office alone seizing over 7,000 pounds of cocaine in fiscal year 2023 and more than 4,000 pounds so far in fiscal year 2024. Beyond Texas, CBP Air and Marine Operations recently seized $33 million worth of cocaine off the coast of Puerto Rico, showcasing the agency’s extensive reach and capabilities.
