BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted three loads of alleged narcotics this week. CBP officers discovered the alleged drugs, with a combined estimated street value of approximately $350,260, hidden within three vehicles.
“These seizures are significant in keeping our borders secure,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Our officers continue to be vigilant and have been successful in keeping these dangerous drugs off our streets.”
cocaine seized by CBP officers at
Brownsville Port of Entry.
The first seizure took place on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Gateway International Bridge, when CBP officers working primary encountered a man as he arrived as the driver of a blue 2001 Dodge Caravan. The driver, identified as a 33-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the help of a non-intrusive imaging system and K9 unit, CBP officers discovered eight packages hidden within the Dodge Caravan. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 20.28 pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $156,400.
The second seizure took place on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Gateway International Bridge, when CBP officers working primary encountered a male traveler as he arrived as the driver of a white 2007 Chevy Impala. The driver, identified as a 20-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the help of a non-intrusive imaging system and K9 unit, CBP officers discovered four packages hidden within the Chevy Impala. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 10.1 pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $77,860.
The third seizure also took place on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge, when a 22-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, arrived as the driver of a blue 2007 Chevy Avalanche. After a primary inspection, the CBP officers referred the driver to secondary for further examination. With the help of a non-intrusive imaging system, CBP officers discovered 40 packages hidden within the Chevy Avalanche. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 5.11 pounds of alleged heroin with an estimated street value of $116,000.
The combined estimated street value of the narcotics from these seizures is approximately $350,260.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the drivers, and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.