CBP Officers In Texas Seize Nearly $2 Million Worth Of Cocaine In 2 Stops On Same Day

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at border facilities in Texas on May 16 seized nearly $2 million worth of cocaine in two separate stops.

CBP officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge in Hidalgo on May 16 encountered a 2002 Ford Ranger driven by a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen entering the U.S. from Mexico, and referred the vehicle for inspection using a nonintrusive system and a canine team.

Inspection revealed 28 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 74.07 pounds, carrying an estimated street value of $989,049. CBP seized the drugs and the vehicle, and the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents who launched 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 officers at the Rio Grande City International Bridge referred a tractor-trailer for secondary inspection. Officers discovered 31 packages containing a total of 69.44 pounds of alleged cocaine, carrying an estimated street value of $956,070.

The cocaine, tractor and trailer were turned over to Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers who arrested the driver and launched 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.”