Hidalgo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized 10 pounds of Mexican brown heroin and 10 pounds of cocaine this last weekend in one enforcement action. The combined estimated street value of the seized drug is $1.1 million.
On Oct. 24, CBP officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a northbound male traveler. The traveler arrived at this border crossing as a passenger in a taxicab. After the initial primary examination, the traveler was referred to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized two packages containing Mexican brown heroin and two additional packages containing cocaine. The packages were found hidden in two suitcases. The heroin was valued at $807,765 while the cocaine was valued at $337,215.
The traveler, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen from Waco, Texas, was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) for further investigation.
Hector A. Mancha, CBP Port Director, Hidalgo-Pharr said, "I commend our skilled and experienced frontline officers for interdicting and seizing this significant amount of drugs." Mancha further said, "We continue securing our nations borders and this action is indicative of our officers working hard to prevent these types of contraband from entering our country."