PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted 2,493 pounds of alleged marijuana that was concealed within a commercial shipment of fresh carrots.

Marijuana hidden in a carrot-like package, part of a total of 2,493 pounds of marijuana seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge in a carrot shipment

“Once again, drug smuggling organizations have demonstrated their creativity in attempting to smuggle large quantities of narcotics across the U.S./Mexico border,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Our officers are always ready to meet those challenges and remain vigilant towards any type of illicit activities.”

On Jan. 10, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor/trailer with a commercial shipment of fresh carrots arriving from Mexico. After referring the conveyance for a vehicle non-intrusive imaging inspection, CBP officers conducted a secondary inspection on the enforcement dock, which included assistance from a canine team. The examination revealed packages of suspected narcotics hidden within the bags of carrots. Officers removed and seized a total of 2,817 carrot-shaped packages of alleged marijuana which carry an estimated street value of $499,000.

This case is currently under the investigation of agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).