Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agents, working alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), seized more than $2.4 million worth of methamphetamine at the Pharr Port of Entry this week. The bust resulted in the arrest of a Mexican national attempting to smuggle nearly 400 bundles of the narcotic into the United States.
CBP officers discovered the contraband during a commercial vehicle inspection of a 2012 Freightliner tractor-trailer crossing from Reynosa, Tamaulipas. The driver, 28-year-old Luis Fernando Sarinana Matias, was directed to a secondary inspection where officers uncovered a false compartment within the trailer. A deeper search revealed 390 bundles that later tested positive for methamphetamine.
Governor Greg Abbott shared photos of the seized drugs and the suspect online, showcasing the size of the haul. DPS agents took custody of the meth and arrested the driver on charges of possessing a controlled substance. Officials expect additional or upgraded charges to follow.
The meth’s street value is estimated at over $2.4 million. This is the latest in a string of large-scale meth seizures along the Texas-Mexico border. In March, CBP officers intercepted another shipment at the same location, finding nearly 300 pounds of meth in 960 packages during a routine inspection aided by a K-9 unit.
The drugs in both incidents were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for further investigation. Authorities say these seizures underscore ongoing concerns over cartel drug smuggling efforts through legal trade routes.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised the coordinated efforts of DPS and CBP in a statement, emphasizing the importance of continued border enforcement to combat drug trafficking. “Our officers are on the frontlines every day, stopping dangerous drugs like methamphetamine from reaching our communities,” Abbott said. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and enhancing border security measures.
The Pharr Port of Entry remains a major target for drug traffickers due to its high volume of commercial traffic. Law enforcement officials have increased inspections and surveillance at key entry points, citing a rise in attempts to conceal narcotics in cargo shipments. Authorities continue to urge vigilance and cooperation from the trucking industry to identify and report suspicious activity.
