That’s not squash: CBP finds nearly $9M in meth shipment at Pharr bridge

CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility seized nearly 269 pounds of cocaine hidden in a shipment of chayote on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Courtesy: CBP)

Hidden within a shipment of chayote, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found packages containing more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine at the Pharr International Bridge. 

Chayote is also known as vegetable pear, which is a green, pear-shaped squash native to Mexico, CBP officials said in a news release. 

The shipment was intercepted Sunday, after CBP officers at the Pharr bridge encountered a tractor-trailer making entry from Mexico. 

Officials said in the release that the discovery was made following a further inspection that included an X-ray and a canine team. 

“Officers spent most of their day removing 3,770 packages–with a combined weight of 1,002 pounds (454.5 kg)–concealed within the shipment of chayote,” the release stated. 

CBP said the meth value is estimated to be worth $8,900,000. As a result of the discovery, Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation in addition to the narcotics and vehicle being seized by CBP. 

“Our CBP officers continue to take down load after load of harmful narcotics, illustrating the tireless work of securing our border and safeguarding our communities,” Carlos Rodriguez, port director for the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, said in the release. 

It’s not immediately clear if anyone was arrested.

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