Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged narcotics in three separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $587,140.
“Our officers continue to intercept narcotics which is an important part of keeping our borders secure,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “These significant drug seizures also keep the dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities.”
The first seizure took place on Thursday, March 17, at the Veterans International Bridge when a 25-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Harlingen, Texas, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2010 Chevrolet. 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, CBP officers discovered 10 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 26.32 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The second seizure took place on Saturday, March 19, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 22-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, applied for entry into the United States driving a 2012 Nissan. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, with the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 10 packages hidden within the 2012 Nissan. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 26.94 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The third seizure took place on Tuesday, March 22, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 23-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a 2013 Chevrolet. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, with the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 10 packages hidden within the 2013 Chevrolet. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 22.61 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $202,980, $207,740, and $176,420 respectively.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the travelers and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
