Border patrol seize more than $31M of meth hidden in shipment of peppers at Texas-Mexico border
The proof is in the pepper.
A semi-trailer truck smuggling more than $31 million worth of meth across the US-Mexico border in Texas was busted after authorities found the stockpile of drugs concealed in a shipment of green peppers.
The spicy discovery was made when border patrol decided to conduct a routine inspection of the vehicle after it attempted to enter the country at the Pharr International Bridge port of entry from Mexico on Sunday, according to the US Customs and Border Protection.
Utilizing x-ray imaging devices, officers uncovered 1,859 bundles of meth disguised in green packaging hidden among the shipment of serrano peppers.
“Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant and intercepted this massive methamphetamine load, preventing it from reaching American streets,” Port Director Carolos Rodriguez said.
The drugs weighed 2,155 pounds with an estimated street value of $31,169,000, CBP said.
The hoard of drugs and the vehicle were seized by the Office of Field Operations, officials said.
Authorities have not yet released information about the smuggler.
Homeland Security has since launched a criminal investigation.
