Unbelievably Big Meth Seizure at Pharr International Bridge
Using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge made a record-breaking meth seizure. They found 3,429 pounds of methamphetamine, worth $48 million. This is the largest meth seizure ever at the Hidalgo Port of Entry.

Details of the Meth Seizure

On August 1, CBP officers stopped a tractor-trailer from Mexico at the Pharr International Bridge cargo area. The trailer was carrying lettuce. Using special inspection equipment, officers found 1,488 packages of meth hidden in the lettuce. The total weight of the meth seizure was 3,429.60 pounds (1,555.55 kg).

Port Director Carlos Rodriguez praised the officers. “Our CBP officers stopped this massive meth load from reaching American streets,” he said. “Congratulations to our diligent officers!”

CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO) took the drugs and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents have started a criminal investigation into the meth seizure.

How Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology Works

This big meth seizure shows how important Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology is. NII technology helps CBP find illegal drugs, weapons, and dangerous materials without opening containers.

Advanced Detection Tools

NII technology includes large X-ray and gamma-ray machines and handheld devices. These tools let CBP officers check cargo, sea containers, trucks, and cars without opening them. This makes inspections faster and easier.

CBP has 309 large NII systems at land, sea, and air ports across the U.S. These systems help CBP check more traffic while allowing legal trade and travel. In 2012, NII systems checked over 7.6 million shipments. This led to more than 1,500 seizures and the finding of over 212,000 pounds of drugs.

Radiation Detection in Meth Seizure Operations

CBP also uses radiation detection tools to stop nuclear and radiological threats. This equipment includes Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs), Radiation Isotope Identification Devices (RIIDs), and Personal Radiation Detectors (PRDs). These devices are used at 329 ports of entry across the country.

There are 1,469 RPMs in place. They scan nearly all mail, truck cargo, and cars coming from Canada and Mexico. They also scan almost all sea containers for dangerous materials. This helps CBP quickly find and deal with threats during operations like the meth seizure at Pharr.

Strong Enforcement Strategy

NII technology is a key part of CBP’s strategy. Other parts of this strategy include the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), the Automated Targeting System (ATS), the National Targeting Center (NTC), the 24-Hour Rule, and the Container Security Initiative (CSI). Together, these programs help CBP secure the borders and allow legal trade and travel.

The huge meth seizure at the Pharr International Bridge shows how effective CBP’s strategies are. With advanced tools and dedicated officers, CBP is committed to stopping illegal activities and protecting the nation. This record meth seizure is a testament to their success.