Customs and Border Protection officers seized a historic amount of methamphetamine at the Texas border, making it the largest drug bust at a port of entry in U.S. history.
How it happened: On February 18, at the Camino Real International Bridge in Eagle Pass, a truck carrying a load marked as "drying agent for piglets" was selected for a secondary screening.
The discovery: Aided by a canine unit and high-tech inspection equipment, officials found 13,101 pounds of meth worth an estimated $117.1 million.
- Both CBP and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) teams were involved in the operation.
- HSI Houston's Special Agent in Charge highlighted the collaborative effort that prevented these drugs from reaching communities.
Impact on the community: Director, Field Operations Donald Kusser, emphasized the daily challenge CBP officers face against narcotics threats and praised the officers' commitment to securing the border while supporting legal traffic.
Largest-ever meth seizure at a port: @DFOLaredo @CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry seize six and a half tons of methamphetamine valued at $117M in shipment of drying agent for piglets. @HSI_SanAntonio , @HSIHouston are investigating. More: https://t.co/K8avizlPRl pic.twitter.com/6NlioJ7bjW
— CBP South Texas (@CBPSouthTexas) February 22, 2024
Next steps: HSI is leading the ongoing investigation into this record seizure.
Homeland Security Investigations is directing the probe into the significant narcotics discovery, with a focus on combating the drug trafficking organizations profiting at the expense of afflicted communities.
The seized methamphetamine's street value is deemed substantial enough to have had a considerable impact on regional public health and safety had it reached its intended destination.