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  4. Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $135K in Cocaine at Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge

Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $135K in Cocaine at Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge

Release Date
Thu, 04/04/2019

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge intercepted a load of cocaine. CBP officers discovered the narcotics, valued at approximately $135,660, hidden within a red 2008 Toyota Camry.

“The security of our border is a top priority for CBP and our officers continue to maintain an elevated enforcement posture to prevent dangerous drugs from entering into our country,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I congratulate our officers for their diligence and for their excellent job in this seizure.”

Packages containingn nearly 18 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
Packages containing nearly 18 pounds of
cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville
Port of Entry.

The seizure took place on Wednesday, Apr. 3, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 48-year-old female Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a red 2008 Toyota Camry. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered seven packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 17.59 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $135,660.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned her over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.

For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021