BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted two loads of alleged narcotics over the weekend. CBP officers discovered the alleged drugs, which carried a combined street value of approximately $394,100, hidden within the two vehicles.
“Every seizure of narcotics is a success which keeps our borders secure and makes our streets safer,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I congratulate our officers who used their experience and vigilance to prevent these dangerous drugs from entering our country.”
The first seizure took place on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Gateway International Bridge when CBP officers working primary encountered a woman as she arrived at the port of entry as the driver of a black 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The driver, identified as a 24-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the help of a K9 unit, CBP officers discovered four packages hidden within the vehicle the Volkswagen Jetta. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 10.05 pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $77,520.
The second seizure also took place on Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Veterans International Bridge, when CBP officers working primary encountered a woman as she arrived at the port of entry as the driver of a silver 2003 Mazda MPV. The driver, identified as a 44-year-old female Mexican citizen who resides in Rio Hondo, Texas, was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the help of a K9 unit, CBP officers discovered seven packages hidden within the vehicle and on her person. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 15.83 pounds of alleged methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $316,580.
The combined estimated street value of the narcotics from these seizures is approximately $394,100.
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.
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