On May 16, Customs and Border Protection officials at Texas border facilities confiscated approximately $2 million in cocaine in two separate stops.
On May 16, CBP agents at the Hidalgo International Bridge in Hidalgo observed a 2002 Ford Ranger driven by a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen entering the country from Mexico and sent the vehicle for inspection using a nonintrusive system and a canine team.
An inspection uncovered 28 packets of purported cocaine weighing 74.07 pounds and estimated street value of $989,049. CBP seized the drugs and the vehicle, and the driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents, who initiated a criminal investigation.
“Our frontline CBP officers continue to build on the steady enforcement activity from the previous week and intercepted yet another significant load of cocaine in a passenger vehicle,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “These kinds of seizure underscore the reality of the drug threat and the importance of advancing our border security mission.”
On the same day, CBP officials at the Rio Grande City International Bridge sent a tractor-trailer for secondary inspection. Officers found 31 shipments containing 69.44 pounds of purported cocaine, with a street value of $956,070.
The cocaine, tractor, and trailer were turned over to Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area investigators, who detained the driver and opened a criminal investigation.
“This seizure illustrates the effective combination of CBP officer skill, experience and the utilization of all tools and resources, including our canines to zero in on hidden narcotics,” said Port Director Rogelio Olivares, Rio Grande City Port of Entry. “Seizures like these exemplify CBPs commitment to advancing our border security mission while facilitating lawful trade and travel.”
