US flag Official website of the Department of Homeland Security

Big Bend Border Patrol Agents Seize Nearly $1 Million in Drugs at Checkpoint

Release Date: 
April 5, 2017

Truck carrying narcotics in Sierra Blanca.
Truck carrying narcotics in Sierra Blanca.

SIERRA BLANCA, TX –U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the I-10 Sierra Blanca Immigration Checkpoint east of El Paso made a significant drug seizure on Monday, and arrested one subject attempting to smuggle narcotics in a tractor-trailer.

As agents conducted an immigration inspection on the driver from California, a Border Patrol canine team alerted to the presence of contraband or concealed humans inside the vehicle. After further investigation by agents, the search revealed six bricks of narcotics inside a duffle bag, in the cab of the truck.The bricks contained 7.5 pounds of heroin and 8.5 pounds of cocaine, with a total street value of $862,960. Agents also found personal use marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the cab of the truck.

The male driver, the narcotics and tractor-trailer were all turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in El Paso, Texas for further investigation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last modified: 
April 6, 2017
Tags: 
Border Security
U.S. Border Patrol