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  4. CBP Officers Seize more than $1.3 Million in Cocaine, Arrest Man at Texas Entry

CBP Officers Seize more than $1.3 Million in Cocaine, Arrest Man at Texas Entry

Release Date
Wed, 04/07/2010

Brownsville, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas yesterday discovered cocaine valued at over $1.3 million hidden within a Chevrolet.

On Tuesday CBP officers encountered a red 2008 Chevrolet Tornado driven by a 48-year-old male, Mexican citizen and resident of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The primary CBP officer referred the driver and vehicle to secondary for further inspection.

At secondary, CBP officers' examination of the Chevrolet resulted in the discovery of hidden packages within the Tornado. CBP officers removed 16 packages from the vehicle which had a combined total weight of 40.2 pounds of cocaine.

The cocaine from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $1,331,200. CBP officers turned the narcotics, driver and vehicle over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents for further investigation.

"CBP officers working Brownsville's port of entry primary inspection have stopped another load of narcotics from being brought into the country. I applaud our officers for the work they do on a daily basis; and for keeping our country safe from these dangerous drugs," said Michael Freeman, CBP port director, Brownsville.

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.
Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021