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  4. Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $157K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $157K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

Release Date
Mon, 07/03/2017

BROWNSVILLE, Texas –U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Gateway International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine. CBP officers discovered the alleged narcotics, valued at approximately $157,420, hidden within a blue 2008 Saturn Vue.

“Our officers continue to do an outstanding job in keeping our borders secure,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Every seizure is the result of our officers’ diligence and attention to detail in their inspections.”

Packages containing more than 20 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
Packages containing more than 20
pounds of cocaine seized by CBP
officers at Brownsville Port of Entry.

The seizure took place on Thursday, June 29, at Gateway International Bridge when a 41-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a blue 2008 Saturn Vue. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the help of a K9 unit, CBP officers working secondary discovered eight packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 20.41 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $157,420.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021