CBP Officers In Southern Texas Seize Two Tons Of Marijuana Hidden In Produce

Progreso, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Progreso Port of Entry, during a 25-hour period in recent days, seized more than two tons of marijuana hidden in commercial shipments of cucumbers and limes, in two separate enforcement actions. 

The larger and more recent seizure occurred on February 21st at Progreso International Bridge. A CBP officer referred a 1998 Kenworth tractor hauling a commercial shipment of limes for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers noted packages commingled with the lime shipment. A closer inspection revealed a total of 349 packages containing a total of nearly 2,427 pounds of alleged marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $2.4 million.

Approximately 25 hours earlier, CBP officers at the same bridge referred a 1998 Freightliner tractor hauling a commercial shipment of cucumbers for a secondary examination. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination and discovered 387 packages hidden within the conveyance containing a total of nearly 1,914 pounds of alleged marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $1.9 million.

 “Our frontline CBP officers at the Progreso Port of Entry have done fantastic work in seizing two significant loads of narcotics in the commercial environment in just over a day,” said Carlos Rodriguez, CBP Port Director, Progreso. “Our top priority is securing our borders and these two back-to-back seizures clearly exemplify CBP’s steadfast commitment to our border security mission.”

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.