Nearly $9 Million Worth Of Meth Found In Shipment Of Squash From Mexico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Texas intercepted nearly $9 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of squash over the weekend.

On April 13, CBP Office of Field Operations officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor-trailer making entry from Mexico with a shipment manifested as chayote, also known as vegetable pear, a green, pear-shaped squash native to Mexico.

The truck was referred for secondary inspection using non-intrusive inspection equipment and canines. The examination revealed 3,770 packages weighing a total of 1,002 pounds concealed within the shipment. The packages contained alleged methamphetamine worth $8.9 million.

“Our CBP officers continue to take down load after load of harmful narcotics, illustrating the tireless work of securing our border and safeguarding our communities,” Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, said in a statement.

CBP seized the drugs and the vehicle and Homeland Security Investigations special agents launched a criminal investigation.