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  4. Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $187K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $187K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

Release Date
Wed, 10/10/2018

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine. CBP officers discovered the narcotics, valued at approximately $187,680, hidden within a white 2009 Ford Fusion.

“This is a significant seizure and it is because of our officers’ experience and vigilance that it was intercepted,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I applaud the efforts of our officers and their commitment to the CBP mission.”

Packages containing 24 poounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Gateway International Bridge
Packages containing 24 pounds of cocaine
seized by CBP officers at Gateway International
Bridge.

The seizure took place on Monday, Oct. 8, at Gateway International Bridge when a 32-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a white 2009 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system and canine unit, CBP officers discovered 10 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 24.34 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $187,680.

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.

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