Authorities Find Cocaine Hidden in Avocado Shipment

Authorities uncovered around $500,000 worth of cocaine hidden inside a shipment of avocados near the U.S.-Mexico border.

At a Glance

Border agents seized over $500,000 worth of cocaine in Texas.
The seizure occurred at Pharr International Bridge during a secondary inspection.
16 packages containing 37.69 pounds of cocaine were found using canines and a non-intrusive inspection system.
The street value of the cocaine is estimated at $503,355.
Homeland Security Investigations has initiated a criminal investigation.
Nationwide, over 53,783 pounds of cocaine have been seized in fiscal year 2024.

$500,000 Worth of Cocaine Seized in Avocados

Border agents confiscated over $500,000 in cocaine near the U.S.-Mexico border hidden with avocados. This major bust took place at the Pharr International Bridge, an often bustling crossing point. During a secondary inspection of a tractor hauling avocados, a search revealed 16 packages containing 37.69 pounds of cocaine. The estimated worth of the seized cocaine is $503,355.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge detected the hidden drugs while performing routine secondary screening. The discovery highlights the ongoing challenges faced by border security in combating drug trafficking. CBP officers credit the combination of canine units and advanced inspection technologies for the successful interception of the contraband.

$503K in Cocaine Found in Avocado Shipmenthttps://t.co/qpGXJQXpnU

— San Angelo LIVE! (@SanAngeloLIVE) September 17, 2024

Broader National Context

This seizure is part of a larger trend of frequent drug interceptions across the U.S. Data indicates over 53,783 pounds of cocaine have been confiscated in the fiscal year 2024 alone. In Texas, particularly through busy border crossings, significant amounts of drugs are routinely seized. The Laredo office alone reported the discovery of over 7,000 pounds of cocaine in fiscal year 2023, with more than 4,000 pounds already confiscated in fiscal year 2024.

This incident underscores the creative methods utilized by traffickers to smuggle narcotics across borders. In earlier successful operations, CBP Air and Marine Operations seized $33 million worth of cocaine in a raid off the coast of Puerto Rico. In that operation, 60 bales of cocaine weighing 3,687 pounds were discovered near the southern coast of Vieques.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Implications

Homeland Security Investigations has already launched a criminal investigation into the recent seizure at the Pharr International Bridge. This is an essential step in tracing the source and the intended recipients of these illicit drugs.

The battle against drug smuggling is multi-faceted, requiring not just advanced technology and dedicated personnel, but also coordinated efforts across national and international levels. This latest bust at the US-Mexico border serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to keep our communities safe from the menace of drug trafficking. Law enforcement agencies continue to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of traffickers, employing varied strategies to thwart their schemes.