"Carrot-Like" Packages Hiding 1130kg Of Cannabis

Customs officer in Texas have intercepted 1130kg of cannabis concealed within a commercial shipment of carrots.

The drugs were hidden in "carrot-like" packages and were discovered at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility - one of the most important ports of entry for the US-Mexico border. US Customs and Border Protection released photographs of the orange plastic packages containing the drugs.

"Once again, drug smuggling organizations have demonstrated their creativity in attempting to smuggle large quantities of narcotics across the US/Mexico border," said Pharr port of entry director Efrain Solis Jr.

"Our officers are always ready to meet those challenges and remain vigilant towards any type of illicit activities."

The drugs were discovered on January 10.

"Customs and Border Protection officers encountered a tractor/trailer with a commercial shipment of fresh carrots arriving from Mexico," a CBP spokesperson said.

After referring the conveyance for a vehicle non-intrusive imaging inspection, CBP officers conducted a secondary inspection on the enforcement dock, which included assistance from a canine team. The examination revealed packages of suspected narcotics hidden within the bags of carrots. Officers removed and seized a total of 2817 carrot-shaped packages of marijuana which carry an estimated street value of $499,000 US - about $770,000 NZ.The case has been referred to Homeland Security Investigations and inquiries are ongoing.

NZ Herald