It was a different type of "Hot Ones" challenge for U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge in Pharr, Texas when they came across some serrano peppers that were stuffed with a ton of drugs!

A strange choice to stuff peppers with for sure, I prefer them stuffed with cream cheese, but for criminals I guess that's out of the question.

CBP seized $31,169,000 worth of meth hidden inside a shipment of serrano peppers on Sunday, November 10.

Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said in a news release:

Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant and intercepted this massive methamphetamine load, preventing it from reaching American streets.

According to the release, the tractor trailer in which the cargo of peppers was hiding in, was selected for inspection, which included utilization of "non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment." After physically inspecting the shipment, officers extracted 1,859 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 2,155.02 pounds (977.50 kg) concealed within the shipment of peppers.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents initiated a criminal investigation.

CBP in Texas is highly active in preventing illegal drugs from crossing the border. Texas, with its vast and complex border along Mexico, is a significant area for CBP operations, particularly in places like the Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, and Laredo. CBP uses advanced technology, K-9 units, and collaborations with local and federal agencies to detect hidden drugs in vehicles, cargo shipments, and personal belongings.

Recent CBP reports often highlight major finds including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. In fact, according to My San Antonio, Texas border officers made four drug and weapon busts in November, others taking place in Laredo and Eagle Pass.