Federal Agents in Georgia Discover Over 2,300 Pounds of Meth Hidden in Celery
A staggering amount of methamphetamine, weighing over 2,300 pounds, was discovered concealed amongst a shipment of celery by federal agents in Atlanta, Georgia, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced recently. This operation was described by the DEA as being one of the largest drug seizures of its kind.
The Large-scale Operation
The seizure took place at Atlanta State Farmers Market in Forest Park where agents secured the truck carrying the drug-laden vegetable consignment. According to DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert Murphy, the agency had received intelligence about a suspicious semitrailer crossing the Mexican border. The drugs were discovered hidden within the truck post a thorough investigation, he confirmed.
“The narcotics were camouflaged within a cargo shipment of celery,” explained Murphy. “It was covertly tucked amidst the celery produce. Needless to say, the celery was disposed of. It did not find its way to the grocery store.” An arrest of a Mexican national linked to the narcotics was made, as per DEA reports. Additional detailed information about the apprehended suspect and potential charges were yet to be released.
Common Smuggling Tactics
Following this incident, the DEA noted the increasingly prevalent tactics used by smugglers – using cargo and produce to conceal narcotics. Methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant, is chiefly produced and distributed in the U.S. by Mexican drug trafficking organizations, as stated by the DEA. Overdosing on the drug could result in lethal side effects such as stroke, heart attack, or organ failures due to overheating.
Other Similar Instances in the Recent Past
This is not the first occasion where meth has been retracted from shipments of vegetable. Besides celery, squash and jalapeño paste shipments have been previously used for clandestine drug smuggling activities. Just last year, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents discovered more than 3,000 pounds of meth and cocaine being transported camouflaged in bins of jalapeño paste.
On other occasions, narcotics have been identified concealed in shipments of green beans, stashed away in shipments of sugar and even smuggled in everyday items such as packages of flour and candy boxes. Cocaine, too, has been found covered amidst banana shipments numerous times across different parts of the world during the previous year.
Stay Alert, Stay Informed
The surge in incidents of narcotics being hidden in produce shipments is a reminder of the creativity and extent to which illegal drug dealers will go to smuggle drugs across borders. It throws light on the importance of stringent checks and the role of intelligence in the unending fight against drug trafficking.
