Brownsville, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents working at the Brownsville International Bridges seized bulk U.S. currency, 8.5 pounds of heroin, handguns, ammunition and 7.2 pounds of cocaine in four separate and unrelated enforcement actions.
On July 9, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations at the B & M International Bridge came in contact with a southbound 2008 GMC Sierra pickup truck and its driver, a 33-year-old Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico prior to exiting the U.S. to enter Mexico. After a brief interview, the male driver and vehicle were referred to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents seized $832,360 in bulk U.S. currency that was found hidden in the vehicle's spare tire. CBP officers seized the vehicle and the currency.
On July 10, CBP officers working at the B & M International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 1996 Dodge Ram pickup truck and its driver, a 31-year-old U.S. citizen from Brownsville. A CBP officer referred the male driver and vehicle to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized six packages containing heroin that were found hidden in the vehicle's battery. The heroin weighed 8.5 pounds and was valued at $687,835. CBP officers seized the vehicle and heroin.
On July 10, CBP officers working outbound enforcement operations at the Veterans International Bridge came in contact with a southbound 2001 Chrysler Town and Country van and its driver, a 57-year-old Mexican citizen from Tifton, Georgia prior to exiting the U.S. to enter Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle and male driver to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized two handguns, 151 rounds of live ammunition and one ammunition magazine that were found hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers seized the weapons, ammunition, accessories and the vehicle.
On July 11, CBP officers working at the B & M International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and its driver, a 43-year-old U.S. citizen from Brownsville. The male driver and vehicle were referred to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, CBP officers seized three packages containing cocaine that were found hidden within the vehicle. The cocaine weighed 7.2 pounds and was valued at $232,805. CBP officers seized the cocaine and vehicle.
In all four cases, the male drivers were transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for further investigation.
Michael T. Freeman, CBP port director, Brownsville said, "I commend our CBP officers and Border Patrol agents for their work in seizing narcotics, weapons, ammunition and a huge amount of U.S. currency this last weekend ." Freeman further said, "In spite of flooding conditions, our officers remained focused and vigilant in both the inbound and outbound environments."
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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.