Federal agents said they seized more than $400,000 worth of liquid methamphetamine stashed in 136 condoms hidden in four pumpkins during a crossing inspection on the Texas border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations OFO
The US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) said agents found the 44 pounds after they stopped an SUV on Tuesday for a secondary inspection at the Eagle Pass Camino Real International Bridge about 140 miles southwest of San Antonio.
“Our frontline CBP officers have seen just about everything, and this Tuesday was no exception, as they encountered liquid methamphetamine hidden within the pumpkins,” acting port director Elizabeth Garduno said.
She called the condoms-in-pumpkins storage “a rather novel narcotics smuggling method.”
Field Operations Director Randy Howe posted a photograph of one of the pumpkins on Twitter.
“Great work by our frontline officers and a way to carve out those illegal narcotics,” he tweeted.
How do you mend a broken Jack-O’-Lantern🎃? @CBP @DFOLaredo Eagle Pass Port of Entry intercepts 44 lbs. of Liquid Meth, concealed in pumpkins. Narcotics have an estimated street value of $402k. Great work by our frontline officers and way to carve out those illegal narcotics. pic.twitter.com/bSpDKRmZdO
— Director, Field Operations, Randy Howe (@DFOLaredo) October 12, 2022
CBP turned over the suspects, who were not identified, to the Maverick County Texas Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.
