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  4. CBP Field Operations in Pharr Seizes Nearly $1 Million Worth of Marijuana in Commercial Shipment

CBP Field Operations in Pharr Seizes Nearly $1 Million Worth of Marijuana in Commercial Shipment

Release Date
Wed, 03/25/2020

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.

Packages containing 4,616 pounds of marijuana seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge within a shipment of bananas.
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).

For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021