PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $1.6 million in alleged cocaine concealed in a trailer hauling a shipment of limes.

“As this interception illustrates, our frontline CBP officers continue to shut down significant hard narcotics smuggling attempts utilizing an effective combination of inspection skill, experience and high-tech tools,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry.

On Sept. 22, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer hauling a commercial shipment of limes attempting to make entry to the U.S. from Mexico. A CBP officer selected the tractor trailer for inspection, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 50 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 125.66 pounds (57 kg) concealed within the trailer. The cocaine has a total estimated street value of $1,677,852.

CBP OFO officers seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.