Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Meth worth $13m found hidden in trailer of frozen strawberries in Texas

The total amount of meth found in the trailer weighed about 906 pounds

Sarah Harvard
New York
Wednesday 20 February 2019 16:55 GMT
Comments
US Border and Customs Protection are holding a truck driver in custody after officers found $13 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a trailer of frozen strawberries he was hauling from Mexico to the United States.
US Border and Customs Protection are holding a truck driver in custody after officers found $13 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a trailer of frozen strawberries he was hauling from Mexico to the United States.

US Border and Customs Protection (CBP) are holding a truck driver in custody after officers found $13m worth of methamphetamine hidden in a trailer of frozen strawberries he was hauling from Mexico to the United States.

CBP officers stationed at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility encountered the 42-year-old truck driver, a Mexican citizen, who was delivering a commercial shipment of frozen strawberries from Mexico on Saturday, the agency said in a statement.

During its inspection of the shipment, CBP officers uncovered 350 packages of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the strawberry-filled trailer.

Law enforcement seized 906 pounds, or 411kg, of methamphetamine that was worth approximately $12.7m, CBP said. It also seized the trailer.

“This was an outstanding interception our officers accomplished this weekend,” David Gonzalez, the port director of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, told CNN.

“Our officers’ astute sense of awareness and tenacity is unparalleled and truly commendable.”

The truck driver is under the custody of Homeland Security Investigations agents as they conduct further investigation.

The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, where the trailer containing $13m worth of methamphetamine was discovered, is a major entry port near the southern border. It oversees both commercial and passenger vehicles.

Texas officials estimate that about 175,000 vehicles cross the bridge in one month.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in