U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Thursday found 19 packages of alleged fentanyl emblazoned with a knock-off logo of the cable news station CNN in what the agency said is the largest seizure of the drug in Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge’s history.
In a news release, CBP said officers assigned to the bridge cargo facility found the drugs in a commercial tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico.
During an inspection by a drug-sniffing K-9, an X-ray and a physical inspection, officers found the 19 packages of alleged fentanyl weighing a little more than 44 pounds, according to the release.
CBP said the drugs are worth more than $1 million.
Federal authorities seized the drugs and vehicle and the case is under investigation.
A search of federal criminal complaints from Thursday didn’t immediately show that anyone was arrested in the case and CBP did not state whether anyone was under arrest.
“CBP officers intercepted this load of fentanyl, the largest thus far in port history, thanks to the great teamwork and the utilization of all available tools and resources,” stated Carlos Rodriguez, director of the Hidalgo, Pharr and Anzalduas ports of entry.
“It is important to remember how lethal fentanyl is, which is why our officers always work wearing personal protective equipment and use vital equipment which can identify these dangerous substances before officers handle them.”
