HIDALGO, Texas—Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a Brownsville, Texas man in connection with a failed smuggling attempt of $954,000 worth of alleged methamphetamine.
“This unusual, but not unique concealment method that was utilized in this foiled smuggling attempt is just another example of the drug smuggling creativity that we encounter and our frontline officers have once again prevailed by having utilized their keen sense of awareness and exceptional observational skills,” said Efrain Solis Jr., Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.
The seizure/arrest occurred on Friday evening, March 14, after CBP officers came in contact with a 20-year-old male United States citizen who arrived from Mexico as a passenger in a Mexico-based taxicab. After noting several grocery items and the traveler only presenting a State of Texas issued identification card, he was referred to secondary for further inspection. While inspecting some canned goods, officers observed irregularities and a subsequent, more in-depth inspection revealed that four large cans of assorted food items contained alleged liquid methamphetamine. CBP seized a total of 13.52 kilograms (29.80 lbs.) of this alleged narcotic.
CBP arrested the man and he was ultimately released to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.