Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, TX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Veterans International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine, hidden within a 2002 Ford Focus.
“Our officers remain vigilant as they conduct their inspections and their efforts paid off with this significant narcotics seizure,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The seizure took place on Monday, July 19, at Veterans International Bridge when a 23-year-old male United States citizen who resides in La Porte, Texas, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2002 Ford. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive imaging system (NII), CBP officers discovered 20 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 46.73 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the cocaine from the seizure is $360,400.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
