CBP Finds Meth Masquerading as Food
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Over 66 pounds pulled from canned goods
Houston Intercontinental Airport discovered 66
pounds of methamphetamine within cans and
containers of mole, hominy and tomato puree.
It was during a regularly scheduled examination of the arriving cargo, that a CBP agriculture specialist took notice of an irregular weight distribution of a single can of tomato puree. He turned the item over to a CBP officer for further examination.
When CBP officers opened the canned item, they found an odd colored liquid substance that began crystalizing. Testing indicated a positive result for methamphetamines.
“This particular seizure illustrates how well trained, experienced and committed to our mission that our CBP agriculture specialists are,” said Houston Area Port Director Raymond S. Polley. “His attention to detail resulted in the prevention of over 66 pounds of methamphetamines from ending up in the hands of our community.”
CBP agriculture specialists typically have biological sciences degree which they use in their critical role of preventing harmful exotic plant pests and foreign animal diseases and potential ag/bio-terrorism into the U.S.
On a typical day in fiscal year 2017, CBP seized 5,863 pounds of narcotics and disrupted 222 pounds of narcotics.