PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted a commercial shipment arriving from Mexico that contained more than fresh produce. CBP officers discovered 4,616 pounds (2,094 kg.) of alleged marijuana hidden within the banana boxes that were destined for the United States.

“Amid the ongoing effort to facilitate lawful trade as the nation responds to the current public health situation, our frontline officers within CBP Field Operations continue with the enforcement posture of keeping drugs and other illegitimate merchandise from entering into the United States,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

CBP officers discovered packages containing

4,616 pounds of marijuana within a banana

shipment at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.

On March 24, 2020, CBP officers assigned to the cargo facility at the Pharr International Bridge encountered a truck with a commercial shipment of fresh bananas arriving from Mexico. An intensive secondary examination, which included utilizing a (canine team), resulted in officers discovering 200 packages of alleged marijuana hidden within the boxes of fresh bananas. This interception is valued at $923,290. CBP OFO seized the narcotics, the tractor/trailer along with the commodity and the case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

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