Brownsville, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Gateway International Bridge seized marijuana valued at approximately $98,000 concealed within a Chevrolet Silverado.
On Thursday, May 20, at the Gateway International Bridge, CBP officers encountered a grey 1998 Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 22-year-old female Mexican citizen and resident of Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas, Mexico. A primary CBP officer's initial interview resulted in the driver and pickup truck being referred to secondary for further inspection.
At secondary, CBP officers' examination revealed hidden packages within the Silverado. CBP officers removed a total of 50 packages from the vehicle which had a combined total weight of 44.40 kilograms, or 97.9 pounds of marijuana.
The marijuana from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $97,900. CBP officers turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.
"Continued enforcement on the frontline by our CBP officers has led to the discovery of the load of narcotics. I commend our officers for their diligence and perseverance in the performance of our critical mission," said Michael Freeman, CBP Brownsville port director.