CBP finds $9.5M in meth hidden inside detergent shipment at Texas border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents uncovered more than $9.5 million in suspected methamphetamine hidden within a commercial detergent shipment at the Roma International Bridge in Texas. The discovery was made on August 11 when a 2012 tractor-trailer from Mexico, carrying a declared load of detergent, entered the United States.

The vehicle was directed to a secondary inspection for additional screening. CBP utilized nonintrusive inspection technology and a canine team during the search, which ultimately led to the detection of 240 packages concealed within the detergent load. The packages contained 1,071 pounds, or 485.78 kilograms, of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of over $9.57 million.

CBP officials seized the drugs after the discovery. Port Director Andres Guerra emphasized the vigilance of CBP officers, who remain diligent in identifying contraband. The Roma International Bridge links Roma, Texas, with Ciudad Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and is a common route for commercial vehicles transporting freight between the two countries.

This seizure involved a tractor-trailer with a declared detergent shipment, and the driver and tractor-trailer were turned over to the Roma Police Department for a criminal investigation. While the federal announcement did not provide information about the driver, shipper, carrier, broker, or intended recipient, local authorities initiated a criminal investigation. The FBI is also investigating the case, as it may be connected to transnational crime networks.