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  4. Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize $152K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize $152K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

Release Date

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Gateway International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine. CBP officers discovered the alleged narcotics, valued at approximately $152,660, hidden within a white 2002 Toyota Avalon.

“This is yet another seizure where our officers’ keen observations and professional judgment yield results,” said Port Director Petra Horne, “I thank our officers for their commitment and dedication to keeping our country secure.”

Packages containing 19.8 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
Packages containing 19.8 pounds of
cocaine seized by CBP officers at
Brownsville Port of Entry

The seizure took place on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Gateway International Bridge when a 24-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a white 2002 Toyota Avalon. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, CBP officers discovered eight packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 19.8 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $152,660.

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.

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.

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  • Last Modified: February 3, 2021