Agents from the United States Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP) seized more than 2,571 pounds (1,166 kilograms) of methamphetamine hidden inside a truck transporting papayas, during an inspection at the Pharr International Bridge, which connects Reynosa, Mexico, with Hidalgo, Texas.

The discovery occurred on July 6 when an officer referred a commercial trailer for secondary inspection. The vehicle was entering the United States with an apparent load of papayas. However, after a physical inspection using non-intrusive technology and canine assistance, agents discovered 384 packages of the narcotic hidden in the trailer.

According to a CBP statement, the estimated value of the drugs exceeds $23.6 million. The Office of Field Operations seized both the vehicle and the substance, while Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) opened a criminal investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the smuggling attempt.

“This massive methamphetamine seizure reflects the dangerous reality of the drug threat our officers face daily and the effective application of experience and technology to identify and seize these shipments,” said Carlos Rodriguez, director of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

This seizure adds to other recent actions by U.S. authorities in the border region. Between July 5 and 8, CBP reported the seizure of more than 800 pounds of marijuana in the Rio Grande Valley, also in Texas.