U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $2.3 million worth of meth being smuggled in tires over the border from Mexico this week.
Border patrol agents made the discovery when a 59-year-old Mexican citizen from Reynosa driving a green Ford F-150 was crossing the border from Mexico on the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge into Texas on Sunday.
Upon further inspection, officers used screening equipment on the vehicle, and discovered 24 packages of meth weighing 115.5 lbs hidden in the tires.
CBP said the meth was worth more than $2.3 million.
Officers seized the drugs and truck, arrested the vehicle’s driver and turned him over to agents with the Homeland Security Investigations.
“Our officers’ continued resolve was evidenced once again with this outstanding seizure of hard narcotics,” Port Director Carlos Rodriguez from the Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas said in a statement. “This was definitely a good strike against the drug smuggling organizations and their goal of bringing dangerous drugs into our country.”
CPB agents have seized more meth — in terms of weight — than any other hard drug, nationwide.
In 2019, CPB agents have seized 14,434 pounds of meth, according to CBP data.
Marijuana is the most-seized drug at checkpoints, with more than 266,000 pounds seized nationwide this year.
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