Some Of The Wildest Border Busts In Texas

When it comes to border busts, it seems smugglers are getting… well, “creative.” From meth-laced melons to burgers with a fentanyl surprise, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have been kept busy as imaginative — and illegal — contraband makes its way to the border. Here are some of the most head-scratching, eye-popping smuggling attempts that have kept officials on high alert and reminded us all that nothing is off the table when it comes to disguising a stash.

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Meth-melons: Watermelon… With a Kick

In August 2024, border officials discovered over 4,500 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in watermelons at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Valued at over $5 million, this meth-melon combo was part of “Operation Apollo,” an effort to crack down on drug smuggling attempts across the border. But despite the juicy disguise, this "fruit" didn’t fool anyone. Meth-melons have now become a new cautionary tale as similar tactics seem to be heading toward El Paso.

Bus Full of Bullets: 92,900 Rounds of Ammo

Also in August, two Mexican bus drivers attempted to cross the El Paso border with a bus loaded with nearly 93,000 rounds of ammunition. Stuffed into tote bags and hidden in the luggage compartment, this haul was one of the biggest ammo busts at El Paso’s Bridge of the Americas in recent memory. Needless to say, these drivers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, as officials seized the load and continue cracking down on arms trafficking to criminal organizations.

The Fentanyl Burger Special

In a case that left officers shaking their heads, a U.S. woman tried to bring a half-ounce of fentanyl across the border — hidden inside a hamburger. This "fast food with a side of felony" was uncovered in March 2024 at the Paso del Norte international bridge. Concealing drugs in a burger might have seemed clever at the time, but it didn't stand a chance against border inspections. The confiscated burger now stands as a reminder that customs officers really have seen it all.

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Creepy-Crawly Produce: Bugs in Exotic Fruits

Agricultural officers at the border are always on high alert for pests hiding in imported produce. One such recent discovery involved exotic fruit carrying invasive insects, a potential threat to U.S. agriculture. Given the increase in produce imports from Mexico through El Paso, border officials are keeping an even closer eye on fruit coming through. No one wants a bug-fueled infestation, so these critters were quickly shown the door.

Honda Ridgeline Ammo Stash

In November 2024, a man driving a 2011 Honda Ridgeline from Juarez attempted to cross the Bridge of the Americas with a hefty load of ammo — 11,100 rounds, to be exact. Thanks to a canine detection team and X-ray scans, the ammo was found hidden within the vehicle’s quarter panels. This haul marks one of the largest ammo busts in El Paso in years, comparable to an entire year’s worth of ammo confiscations in previous years. The driver is now facing federal charges, and CBP officials are keeping a close watch for more “loaded” Ridgelines.

As these wild attempts prove, smugglers will hide their illegal cargo anywhere they can squeeze it — melons, buses, burgers, and even trusty old Hondas. But with the sharp eyes and tech of border officials, it’s safe to say these "creative" concealments are going nowhere fast. Here’s hoping the next wave of smugglers’ ideas are at least slightly less inventive, though at this rate, CBP officials might want to start double-checking piñatas and popcorn tubs!