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  4. CBP Field Operations Encounters Stuffed Coconuts at Pharr International Bridge

CBP Field Operations Encounters Stuffed Coconuts at Pharr International Bridge

Release Date
Thu, 05/12/2016

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility discovered 1,423 pounds of alleged marijuana within a commercial shipment of fresh coconuts.

A CBP officer holds a coconut filled with a marijuana package, part of a seizure of 1,423 pounds of marijuana seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge

A CBP officer holds a coconut filled with a marijuana package, part of a seizure of 1,423 pounds of marijuana seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge

“Our officers’ ability to use all available resources combined with their experience has resulted in numerous discoveries of illegal narcotics. We are keeping drugs off our streets, protecting our communities and our vigilance is continuous,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

On May 9, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor/trailer hauling a commercial shipment of coconuts from Mexico. After the conveyance was referred for a non-intrusive imaging inspection (NII) and with the help of a canine team, officers discovered a total of 2,486 packages of alleged marijuana concealed within the coconut shipment.

CBP OFO seized the drugs, valued at approximately $285,000. The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021