Over 2,817 “carrot-shaped packages” were retrieved from a trailer hauled by a tractor coming over the border, US Customs and Border Protection has said.

The crudely-designed, orange-wrapped packages weren’t fresh root vegetables, but were found to be packed with the illicit crop associated with many Mexican drug cartels.

A few bags of genuine carrots were also found with more traditionally-packaged blocks of cannabis stowed in the middle of them.

Efrain Solis Jr, director at the Pharr Texas Port of Entry, said the smugglers had “demonstrated their creativity”.

But he added: “Our officers are always ready to meet those challenges and remain vigilant towards any type of illicit activities.”