U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Record $15 Million in Cocaine Hidden in Avocado Shipment at Texas Border
EL PASO, Texas — In a major drug interdiction operation, officers from the United States Customs and Border Protection intercepted a staggering 550 pounds of cocaine concealed within a commercial shipment of avocados at the Ysleta Port of Entry on Wednesday.
The discovery was made during a secondary inspection of a tractor-trailer carrying produce from Mexico. A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting officers to conduct a thorough search. The cocaine, valued at an estimated $15 million, was found expertly packaged and hidden among the pallets of avocados.
"This seizure exemplifies the vigilance and expertise of our frontline personnel," said CBP Acting Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. "The United States Customs and Border Protection remains committed to preventing the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities."
The driver, a 35-year-old Mexican national, was taken into custody and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. No further details were released as the case remains under investigation.