U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Texas last week seized over 45 pounds of fentanyl valued at $1,036,000. The seizure occurred Oct. 13 at the Office of Field Operations at the Pharr, Texas international bridges cargo facility.
CBP officers assigned to the cargo facility encountered a commercial tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico. An officer referred the vehicle for further inspection, which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection equipment and screening by a canine team.
After physically inspecting the truck and trailer, officers discovered 19 packages of alleged fentanyl weighing 44.35 pounds concealed within the tractor.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and vehicle, and the case remains under investigation by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations.
“CBP officers intercepted this load of fentanyl, the largest thus far in port history, thanks to great teamwork and the utilization of all available tools and resources,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “It is important to remember how lethal fentanyl is, which is why our officers always work wearing personal protective equipment and use vital equipment which can identify these dangerous substances before officers handle them.”
