'Pineapples' Turn Out To Be $6M in Cocaine

SAVANNAH, GA -- A container of frozen pineapples at the Savannah ports was hiding nearly 350 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $6 million, U.S. customs officials announced.

The 140 bricks of coke, hidden in a refrigerated container, originated from Costa Rica and represent one of the biggest drug busts ever at the Savannah ports, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

They were discovered by customs agents on March 7.

"Customs and Border Protection officers relied on their exceptional inspection skills and the amazing cooperation by our federal and state law enforcement partners to intercept what is believed to be one of the largest cocaine seizures ever in the Area Port of Savannah,” said Lisa Beth M. Brown, the customs director for the Area Port of Savannah.

"Intercepting dangerous narcotics at our international ports of entry before they can hurt our communities is a vital mission for CBP. I commend our officers and our partners for the tremendous teamwork that led to a very successful narcotics seizure.”

Chatham County Sherriff’s canine officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) homeland security officers assisted with the search and processing of the cocaine.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the lead agency for combating drug trafficking through airports, seaports, and land ports of entry. On a typical day, the agency says it seizes over 10,000 pounds of narcotics at and between its 328 ports of entry.