HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge arrested a 43-year-old man from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico in connection with a failed drug smuggling attempt of $2,330,000 worth of alleged methamphetamine.
Bundles containing 166 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge
“This interception of dangerous drugs truly exemplifies the teamwork of our officers working at our cargo facility,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Being able to detect anomalies within your work environment is how our officers are able to dig further and follow their inquisitive instinct, which usually produces positive results.”
On March 31, CBP officers working at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility encountered a red 1989 Kenworth tractor/trailer driven by a male Mexican citizen who presented a commercial manifest for fresh cactus and squash. After referring the conveyance for a vehicle non-intrusive inspection, the shipment was sent to the secondary inspection dock for further examination. During the course of the inspection, officers discovered 138 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing approximately 166.45 pounds concealed within the produce shipment. CBP OFO seized the narcotics, tractor/trailer and the shipment.
CBP OFO arrested the driver and subsequently released him to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
CBP’s Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.