Border Patrol agents uncover marijuana concealed within carrot shipment
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Border Patrol agents find marijuana hidden inside carrots following examination of tractor-trailer shipment. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Border agents in Texas intercepted a cargo shipment of marijuana concealed inside carrots Sunday, authorities said in a news release.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers patrolling the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility stopped a tractor-trailer carrying what was perceived to be a shipment of fresh carrots to the U.S. from Mexico on Jan. 10, according to the release Wednesday.
After an image scan, the agents brought out a canine unit to further examine the cargo. The second examination uncovered 2,817 carrot-shaped packages of marijuana, which agents said carries an estimated street value of $499,000.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Once again, drug smuggling organizations have demonstrated their creativity in attempting to smuggle large quantities of narcotics across the U.S./Mexico border,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr. “Our officers are always ready to meet those challenges and remain vigilant towards any type of illicit activities.”
The agency said Homeland Security is assisting in the investigation.
The New York Daily News reported the police stopped drug smugglers at the same bridge on Dec. 2 from bringing in more than $1 million of drugs that were disguised as both carrots and cucumbers.