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CBP Seizes Over $10.3 Million in Meth Hidden Inside Mexican Lettuce at Pharr International Bridge

04:42 AM, 11/26/2025

CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge discovered roughly $10.3 million in suspected methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of lettuce from Mexico on Nov. 21. Nonintrusive inspection technology flagged irregularities, and a physical search revealed about 500 packages totaling approximately 1,153 pounds. The cargo and the commercial vehicle were seized, and Homeland Security Investigations has opened a criminal inquiry. No further details about the driver or arrests have been released as the probe continues.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers uncovered an estimated $10.3 million worth of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside a shipment of lettuce at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in South Texas, officials said.

The seizure occurred on Nov. 21 when a commercial truck arriving from Mexico was referred for additional inspection. Nonintrusive inspection technology detected anomalies within the palletized load of salad greens, prompting officers to conduct a physical search.

That search revealed roughly 500 packages of suspected methamphetamine hidden among the leaves and packed into boxes disguised as standard lettuce shipments. CBP reported the total weight of the narcotics seized at approximately 1,153 pounds.

"Within a shipment of salad greens, our frontline officers discovered contraband that does not belong on any holiday table," said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. He added that officers' use of tools and technology was instrumental in the seizure.

A photo released by CBP shows rows of brown boxes filled with tightly wrapped bundles the agency described as the alleged drugs. CBP's Office of Field Operations impounded both the illicit cargo and the commercial vehicle involved in the shipment.

Homeland Security Investigations has opened a criminal inquiry into the smuggling attempt. Authorities have not released additional details about the driver or whether any arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

The bust — which came days before Thanksgiving — ranks among the larger methamphetamine seizures at this South Texas port of entry so far this year.

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