PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized more than 2,571 pounds (1,166 kg) of methamphetamine hidden inside a truck hauling papayas at the Pharr International Bridge, which connects Reynosa, Mexico, with Hidalgo, Texas.

The massive drug bust happened on July 6, when an officer sent a commercial trailer for a secondary inspection. The truck appeared to be transporting a legitimate load of papayas, but after a non-intrusive inspection and a physical search with the help of K-9 units, officers discovered 384 packages of meth concealed inside the trailer.

CBP officials said the estimated street value of the seized drugs is more than $23.6 million. CBP’s Office of Field Operations confiscated both the vehicle and the narcotics, while Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has launched a criminal probe to identify and prosecute those behind the smuggling attempt.

“This massive methamphetamine seizure reflects the dangerous reality of the drug threat our officers face every day and highlights the effective use of expertise and technology to intercept these loads,” said Carlos Rodríguez, Port Director for the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

The seizure comes amid a series of drug interceptions along the Texas border, including more than 800 pounds of marijuana seized in the Rio Grande Valley between July 5 and 8.

According to La Opinión, the investigation remains ongoing.