US CBP Officers Seize $71K Worth of Cocaine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine valued at approximately $71,400 hidden within a 2010 Ford.

“Our officers remain vigilant to keep these dangerous narcotics from entering our country and their efforts led to this drug seizure,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

The seizure took place on Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 51-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Laredo, Texas, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2010 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 inspection system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered nine packages hidden within the vehicle.  CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 9.25 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the cocaine from the seizure is approximately $71,400.

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.