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  4. Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $1.5M in Narcotics in Three Seizures

Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $1.5M in Narcotics in Three Seizures

Release Date
Wed, 11/25/2020

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged narcotics in three separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $1,502,870.

“Our CBP officers continue to protect our borders and communities through their steadfast commitment to our border security mission. Their experience and attention to detail led to these significant narcotics seizures,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

Packages containing nearly five pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
Packages containing nearly five pounds of cocaine
seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry.

The first seizure took place on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 20-year-old male United States citizen applied for entry into the United States driving a black 2014 Volkswagen Jetta.  The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  In secondary, CBP officers discovered two packages hidden within the Volkswagen Jetta.  CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 4.69 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The second seizure took place on Monday, Nov. 23, also at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 26-year-old female United States citizen applied for entry into the United States driving a gray 2007 Nissan Altima.  The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  In secondary, with the aid of a non-intrusive imaging system (NII), CBP officers discovered multiple packages hidden within the Nissan Altima.  CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 71.42 pounds of alleged methamphetamine.

The third seizure also took place on Monday, Nov. 23, at the Veterans International Bridge when a 41-year-old female Mexican citizen and a 49-year-old male United States citizen applied for entry into the United States in a black 2008 Dodge Journey.  The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  In secondary, CBP officers discovered two packages hidden within the Dodge Journey.  CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 4.93 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $36,210, $1,428,580 and $38,080 respectively.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the drivers and passenger turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.

For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021