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  4. Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $1.6M in Narcotics in Two Seizures

Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $1.6M in Narcotics in Two Seizures

Release Date
Thu, 08/06/2020

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged narcotics in two separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $1,635,564.

“Our CBP officers’ continuing commitment to safeguard our borders and communities is reflected in these seizures of dangerous narcotics,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

The first seizure took place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 19-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, attempted entry into the United States through the pedestrian lane and was referred to secondary.  While in the secondary inspection area, CBP officers discovered one package hidden under the man’s clothing.  CBP officers removed the package, which contained a total of 2.65 pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $20,400.

Packages containing 56.66 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
Packages containing 56.66 pounds of
methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at
Brownsville Port of Entry.

The second seizure took place on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 50-year-old male United States citizen applied for entry into the United States driving a 2007 Dodge Dakota pick-up.  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) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 46 packages which contained a total of 56.66 pounds of alleged methamphetamine and 11 packages which contained a total of 21.25 pounds of alleged heroin hidden within the Dodge pick-up.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $20,400 in cocaine, $1,133,164 in methamphetamine and $482,000 in heroin.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and the pedestrian and 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