MEMPHIS, TN – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at a consignment hub in Memphis, Tennessee discovered a unique smuggling method when they examined a shipment of peanuts filled with methamphetamine on Tuesday, June 29.
They shipment, from Mexico to east Texas, was manifested as “REGIONAL BREAD ROASTED PEANUTS REGIONAL DUST SWEET MADE OF CORN.”
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an x-ray revealed what was described as “suspicious anomalies within the shipment. It was opened and found to contain bags of peanuts and other food preparation materials. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBPOs) cracked open the peanuts and a white crystal substance was found concealed in the shells. A sample of the white crystal substance was tested and came back as Methamphetamine.”
“My experienced officers long ago lost all surprise at the smuggling methods they encounter every shift,” said Area Port Director Michael Neipert. “Narcotics in fruit, nuts, baked goods, shoes, toys and all kinds of other items disguised as gifts or other legitimate shipments fly through the express consignment world. These days you can get a gram of methamphetamine at half the price of what cocaine costs, and at twice the potency. I’m proud we were able to keep this shipment from getting to its destination.”