U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stationed at the Hidalgo, Pharr, Anzalduas Port of Entry recently arrested an individual carrying approximately 10 pounds of alleged liquid methamphetamine concealed within aloe vera juice bottles.
The incident began on Sept. 20 at the Pharr International Bridge when CBP officers referred a 45-year-old male Mexican citizen for further inspection. After a brief search with the use of a narcotics-detecting canine team, CBP officers discovered the liquid methamphetamine hidden in aloe vera juice bottles in his luggage. The alleged liquid methamphetamine carried an approximate street value of $204,000.
CBP Office of Field Operations seized the alleged narcotics. The case is currently under investigation by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations.
“Our CBP officers continue to see unique smuggling techniques. It is amazing to see to what depths smuggling organizations would go to attempt to bring drugs into our country,” Efrain Solis, port director for the Hidalgo, Pharr, Anzalduas Port of Entry, said.
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 the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.