U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge on the Texas-Mexico border seized 1,527 pounds of packed methamphetamine, officials announced Tuesday.
The incident occurred on July 9. CBP officers found 221 packages of alleged methamphetamine concealed in the roof of a tractor-trailer. The alleged meth has a street value of $30.6 million.
The truck was carrying imported fresh onions from Mexico, according to officials.
“This is certainly a substantial amount of methamphetamine that won’t make its final destination in the U.S.,” said Pharr Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
More than $4.2 million worth of drugs was also seized during two other incidents last week. Meth, cocaine and fentanyl were discovered in two tractor-trailers from Mexico.
The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge was the site of a protest last week as well by farmers in northern Mexico who blocked commercial access at the port of entry for more than 36 hours.
The farmers, who were protesting government prices for sorghum, ended their protest Thursday night. CBP officials remained on alert this week for another blockade by farmers.
“There is potential for possible upcoming protest and blockage of north- and south-bound commercial traffic at the Port of Hidalgo, Progreso, and Brownsville (Los Indios or Veterans bridge),” said Armando Taboada, assistant director of field operations at the Laredo Field Office of CBP in an email to customs officials and media on Tuesday.
Taboada added, “apparently, the agriculture group is still not satisfied with Mexico City’s response or lack of response and are threatening to resume protests again at three of our ports of entry. Please be ready to divert commercial traffic to surrounding ports of entry within Laredo Field Office.”
However, Taboada sent another email on Wednesday morning stating, “no blockage/protest by the agriculture group at this time. The group will be having a follow up meeting next week with Mexico City officials.”
Click for more FreightWaves articles by Noi Mahoney.
More stories
Protesters end blockade at Pharr port of entry