BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Gateway International Bridge seized $595,242 in methamphetamine.
“Our officers remain vigilant in their duties of securing our borders and their efforts led to this significant seizure,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The seizure took place on Tuesday, June 14, at the Gateway International Bridge when an 18-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2008 Chrysler. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a canine unit and a non-intrusive inspection system (NII), CBP officers discovered three packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 29.76 pounds of alleged methamphetamine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $595,242.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the traveler and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.