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  4. Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize $172K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize $172K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

Release Date
Thu, 03/02/2017

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 $172,720, hidden within a black 2007 Nissan Altima.

Packages containing 22 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
Packages containing 22 pounds of cocaine
seized by CBP officers at Brownsville
Port of Entry

“This is another success due to the diligence and commitment of our officers to safeguard our borders,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I commend our officers for keeping these narcotics from reaching our cities.”

The seizure took place on Wednesday, Mar. 1, at Gateway International Bridge when a 28-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a black 2007 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the help of a K-9 unit, CBP officers discovered nine packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 22.40 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $172,720.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021