UPDATE 9/12/26: DEA confirmed late Friday that agents seized the methamphetamine from a commercial tractor-trailer hauling cabbage. The agency also provided new details about the ongoing investigation.
Federal agents seized more than 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a cabbage shipment in South Texas. DEA confirmed the drugs were concealed in a commercial tractor-trailer carrying the produce. The McAllen office seized the load Tuesday during an ongoing Homeland Security Task Force investigation. No arrests have been made.
Investigation brings multiple agencies together
The seizure involved several federal and state law enforcement agencies. Homeland Security Task Force investigators worked together on the case. Participating agencies included HSI, FBI, CBP, U.S. Border Patrol and Texas DPS. DEA called the discovery a “major seizure” while announcing the operation.
DEA provided FreightWaves with additional information about the seizure late Friday. The San Antonio Division oversees the agency’s McAllen District Office. Officials confirmed the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have made no arrests.
DEA’s San Antonio Division frequently encounters methamphetamine hidden in produce shipments, according to Jonathan C. Pullen. He serves as associate chief of operations for DEA’s Southcentral Region. Pullen identified lettuce and blueberries as other produce used to conceal the drug. He described the practice as part of traffickers’ efforts to move methamphetamine into the United States.
Details about the tractor-trailer remain unknown
DEA has not identified the carrier, driver, origin or destination of the cabbage shipment. No border crossing or port of entry appeared in the agency’s response. Officials have not explained how investigators discovered the concealed drugs.
Why it matters
Traffickers continue using legitimate commercial freight to conceal massive quantities of narcotics. DEA says its San Antonio Division frequently encounters methamphetamine hidden in produce shipments.
Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.
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