According to a press release issued yesterday, members of the CBP working at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge between the U.S. and Mexico observed a tractor-trailer entering the United States from Mexico on Jan. 10. The bridge connects Pharr, Texas with Reynosa, Mexico and is one of the most important ports of entry along the U.S./Mexico border.
After a cursory examination, the vehicle carrying a commercial shipment of carrots was referred to an enforcement dock for a secondary inspection. The cargo was scanned and then dogs were brought in and it was determined there were narcotics hidden in carrot-shaped containers that were mixed in with real carrots.
Agents seized 2,817 carrot-shaped containers containing 2,493 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $499,000.
Port Director, Efrain Solis Jr. said, “Once again drug smuggling organizations have demonstrated their creativity in attempting to smuggle large quantities of narcotics across the U.S./Mexico border. Our officers are always ready to meet those challenges and remain vigilant towards any type of illicit activities.”
The New York Daily News reports this is not the first time drugs were smuggled into the United States at this port of entry using “salad ingredients.” On Dec. 2, 2015, agents found narcotics valued at $1.7 million disguised as cucumbers and carrots. And in mid-December, agents discovered $479,000 worth of marijuana disguised as tomatoes.
The matter is now under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.
