Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents seized over $3.7 million worth of cocaine in a shipment that was labeled as cucumbers on June 28, 2026. The seizure occurred at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas, where agents discovered 112 packages weighing a total of 278.88 pounds after a canine inspection and a scan revealed anomalies in the tractor-trailer. According to CBP, the street value of the cocaine is estimated at $3,723,654.
Port Director Carols Rodriguez stated that this incident underscores the ongoing challenges of smuggling at the U.S. border, despite a significant decrease in illegal border crossings. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high levels of scrutiny to detect such attempts. Rodriguez noted, "This interception is a powerful reminder that our CBP officers are on duty 24/7, employing every resource to detect and deter those who attempt to exploit our borders."
CBP has reported several high-profile smuggling attempts recently, including a truckload of roses concealing over 515 pounds of cocaine in February and a separate seizure of 298 pounds of cocaine in a shipment allegedly carrying carrots. In another incident later in April, CBP prevented a vehicle from crossing the border that was carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and multiple firearms.