CPB: Liquid Meth Seized at Bridge Could Have Caused Explosion

Reported by: Farrah Fazal
Last Update: 10:17 am

BROWNSVILLE - A man on a bicycle could have caused a massive explosion at the Gateway International Bridge. Customs officers said he was smuggling an extremely hazardous drug. He had liquid methamphetamine in beer bottles.

Weslaco Fire Marshall Santiago Cuellar teaches the dangers of meth. It was the first time he's ever heard of somebody transporting the drugs in that manner.

"You can get burned, you can get killed, you can level the home you are at," said Cuellar.

Customs officers said the suspect was carrying five bottles, at least half a gallon each. Cuellar said liquid meth is easily ignitable. A small flame could spark an enormous explosion.

Law enforcement officers told us meth busts here in the Valley don't happen very often. Smugglers pass meth through here to get it up north. Officers said it's extremely addictive and cheap to make.

Meth makers often use chemicals like rubbing alcohol, paint thinners, drain cleaners, battery acid, cold tablets and freon to make the drug.

Narcotics officers said meth doesn't stay in the Valley because it's too expensive. A former narcotics officer with San Juan police said meth now sells for three times more than it used to five years ago.

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