Texas Border Business
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge, intercepted $890,700 in alleged cocaine concealed within a vehicle.
“Our frontline CBP officers encountered a driver with a routine outstanding warrant and upon closer inspection of the vehicle, they discovered a significant amount of hard narcotics as well,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry. “Seizures and apprehensions like these perfectly illustrate our continued commitment to CBP’s border security mission.”
On Sept. 5, CBP officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a Dodge Durango attempting to make entry to the U.S. from Mexico. The primary officer received a potential match to a wanted individual. At secondary inspection, the warrant was verified for a nonextraditable traffic offense on the driver. During secondary examination, CBP officers conducted further inspection of the vehicle, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 26 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 66.71 pounds (30.26 kg) concealed within the vehicle.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
