Border officials uncovered $496,000 worth of cocaine concealed within a cotton candy shipment

Officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Texas announced Friday they had discovered and captured nearly $500,000 worth of cocaine hidden in a haul of cotton candy.

The incident took place Thursday after at least one CBP officer in the Laredo area spotted an incoming tractor-trailer that was marked for transporting the common carnival treat, according to a release from CBP officials.

“Following a non-intrusive inspection system examination and deployment of CBP canines, CBP officers discovered 15 packages containing a total of 37 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the conveyance,” the release said.

The substance was later confirmed to be cocaine, and the narcotics held a street value of roughly $496,879, according to the CBP.

“Our frontline officers continue to maintain resolute vigilance and that dedication to the mission coupled with an effective use of technology resulted in the interception of a significant amount of cocaine,” Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry, said.

“Seizures like these reinforce the importance and necessity of our ongoing border security mission.”

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Using candy to hide or disguise deadly drugs has grown in popularity throughout the United States in the last few years.

In December, at least five children in Virginia were taken to the hospital after ingesting fentanyl-laced gummy bears that one student had accidentally brought from home.