U.S.-Mexico Border Agents Uncover Huge Stash of Meth in Ovens

U.S.-Mexico border agents uncovered a huge stash of meth concealed within a vehicle’s food oven in South Texas.

On September 1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry discovered 31 packages containing 69 pounds of methamphetamine and 2.6 pounds of heroin.

The estimated street value of the drugs is thought to be $701,000, according to the CBP.

The seizure occurred on September 1st at the Camino Real International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2006 Chevrolet Express van for secondary inspection.

CBP officers conducted a secondary examination that included the utilization of a non-intrusive inspection.

Upon further physical examination, CBP officers discovered a massive haul of narcotics within the walls of three food ovens located on the roof rack of the van.

Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal investigation, and inquiries remain ongoing.

No information was released about the suspect.

“Our frontline officers continue to maintain resolute vigilance, and that dedication to the mission coupled with an effective use of technology resulted in the interception of a significant amount of narcotics,” said Port Director Pete Beattie, Eagle Pass Port of Entry.

The operations are part of ongoing CBP efforts to intercept and prevent the trafficking of illicit drugs into the United States.

Dr. Terri Beth Miller, Senior Editor at Rehab.com, told Newsweek that narcotics like meth, fentanyl, and heroin “can carry significant risks that may include a life-threatening overdose, drug-related injuries, and severe and chronic illnesses.”

“These substances also pose risks to the broader community, including harms related to accidental drug exposure. Medical personnel, police, and first responders are at a particularly high risk of unintentional and potentially lethal fentanyl exposure. For the community at large, the risk of drug-related accidents and infectious disease transmission is a growing concern.”

In August, officers confiscated more than $5 million worth of methamphetamine after smugglers had disguised 4,587 pounds of meth by wrapping the packages in bright green plastic with stripes, making them resemble small watermelons.

Last month, CBP officers seized over $40 million worth of meth stashed within a lettuce shipment in a record-breaking drug haul.

Over 145,698 pounds of methamphetamine have been seized nationwide in Fiscal Year 2024, according to CBP data.

Law enforcement officials at the U.S.-Mexico border seized 132,655 pounds of meth in the Southwest border alone in the 2023-2024 fiscal year as of July 2024.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023.

Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com