US Customs find $4.4 million of crystal meth hidden in shipment of pickled CUCUMBERS


US Customs find $4.4 million of crystal meth hidden in shipment of pickled CUCUMBERS

  • Some $4.3million worth of crystal meth found in 114 packages of cucumbers 
  • Packages were intercepted on tractor-trailer on April 17 by US border officials 
  • Some 217 pounds of contraband stopped at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge 
  • Earlier this month, traveler was arrested in Houston airport by police
  • Traveler allegedly tried to smuggle crystal meth inside a breakfast burrito 

American border inspectors intercepted an alleged shipment of $4.3million worth of methamphetamine that was hidden inside 114 packages of cucumber pickles.

US Customs and Border Protection said that the alleged attempt to smuggle narcotics was foiled on April 17 by officers manning the border crossing at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.

‘This substantial quantity of hard narcotics will not make its final destination in the United States,’ said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

‘This interdiction reinforces our officers’ role in advancing CBP’s border security mission by preventing dangerous drugs from entering and negatively impacting our communities.’

American border inspectors intercepted an alleged shipment of $4.3million worth of methamphetamine that was hidden inside 114 packages of cucumber pickles

American border inspectors intercepted an alleged shipment of $4.3million worth of methamphetamine that was hidden inside 114 packages of cucumber pickles

US Customs and Border Protection said that the alleged attempt to smuggle narcotics was foiled on April 17 by officers manning the border crossing at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. The image above is a file photo of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth

US Customs and Border Protection said that the alleged attempt to smuggle narcotics was foiled on April 17 by officers manning the border crossing at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. The image above is a file photo of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth

The South Texas division of CBP tweeted a photo showing the stash of drugs, calling it ‘funny pickles.’

In total, the tractor-trailer that was intercepted was carrying 217 total pounds of suspected contraband, according to CBP.

‘This substantial quantity of hard narcotics will not make its final destination in the United States,’ said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez. 

‘This interdiction reinforces our officers’ role in advancing CBP’s border security mission by preventing dangerous drugs from entering and negatively impacting our communities.’

Earlier this month, Transportation Security Administration screeners at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston detected what authorities alleged to be crystal meth wrapped inside a breakfast burrito

Earlier this month, Transportation Security Administration screeners at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston detected what authorities alleged to be crystal meth wrapped inside a breakfast burrito

This is the second time this month that suspected narcotics were found inside a package that appeared to be food.

Transportation Security Administration screeners at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston detected what authorities alleged to be crystal meth wrapped inside a breakfast burrito.

‘On Friday, April 2 during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on luggage, a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) saw what appeared to be an unidentified lump inside of a traveler’s breakfast burrito,’ the TSA said in a news release.

‘Due to the unusual nature and size of the lump, the TSO requested additional inspection of the food item.’

After putting the item through an X-ray machine, TSA agents summoned Houston Police Department officers, who inspected it and determined that it was crystal meth.

The unidentified traveler was placed under arrest.

In January 2017, border officers found some two tons of marijuana camouflaged as limes at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.

The DEA made the biggest methamphetamine bust in American history this past October, seizing more than 2,200 pounds from stash houses in California along with huge hauls of cocaine and heroin. Pictured the haul displayed at a press conference in October in Montebello, California

The DEA made the biggest methamphetamine bust in American history this past October, seizing more than 2,200 pounds from stash houses in California along with huge hauls of cocaine and heroin. Pictured the haul displayed at a press conference in October in Montebello, California

Last October, the Drug Enforcement Administration made the biggest methamphetamine bust in American history this month, seizing more than 2,200 pounds from stash houses in California along with huge hauls of cocaine and heroin.

Federal agents seized 2,224 pounds of meth, 893 pounds of cocaine and 13 pounds of heroin during raids on several homes in Moreno Valley and Perris in Riverside County on October 2 as part of Operation Crystal Shield.

Operation Crystal Shield is a nationwide operation launched back in February to clamp down on nine major meth trafficking hubs across America including Atlanta, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Phoenix, San Diego and St. Louis – which together made up more than 75 percent of all meth seized by the DEA last year.

The record bust is tied to the notorious Sinaloa cartel in Mexico that is allegedly involved in the distribution of cocaine and meth across Southern California, from where it is then distributed nationwide. 

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