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  4. CBP Field Operations Seizes Close to $500K in Cocaine in Productive Weekend at Mid-Valley International Bridges

CBP Field Operations Seizes Close to $500K in Cocaine in Productive Weekend at Mid-Valley International Bridges

Release Date
Tue, 11/13/2018

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr and Hidalgo International Bridges seized $443,000 worth of cocaine in three separate, unrelated incidents and arrested four people in connection with the failed drug smuggling attempts.

“These interceptions of hard narcotics are a great indication that drug smuggling organizations are making a concerted effort to introduce their merchandise across the border,” said Port Director David Gonzalez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. ”CBP continues to counter those efforts through vigilance and perseverance.”

Packages containing nearly 18 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo Bridge
CBP officers seized nearly 18 pounds of
cocaine at Hidalgo International Bridge on
Nov. 11.

The first seizure occurred at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge on Nov. 8 after a CBP officer referred a grey 2013 Volkswagen Jetta with two occupants, a 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, both Mexican citizens, for further inspection. With the assistance of a (canine team), CBP officers discovered 10 packages of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle. The estimated street value is $184,500 for the 23.90 pounds (10.84 kg).

The second interception occurred on Nov. 10 at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility. Utilizing all available tools and resources, including non-intrusive imaging technology (NII), CBP officers discovered six packages of alleged cocaine weighing 15.61 pounds (7.08 kg) within a commercial tractor/trailer driven by a 29-year-old man from Mexico. These narcotics have a street value of $120,500.

CBP OFO accomplished the last seizure at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge on Nov. 11 after referring a 20-year-old man from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico driving a white Chevy Cobalt for a secondary inspection. During the course of the examination, officers discovered seven packages of alleged cocaine hidden with the Cobalt. CBP OFO seized the 17.95 pounds (8.14 kg) valued at $138,000.

CBP OFO seized all the vehicles and arrested the four persons associated with the drug-smuggling attempts, subsequently turning them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021