Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize $214,540 in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge

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 $214,540, hidden within a black 2005 Jeep Cherokee.

“We are committed to the security of our borders,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Our officers’ keen professional judgment and experience were key to this successful seizure of dangerous narcotics.”

The seizure took place on Saturday, Aug. 13, at Gateway International Bridge when a 22-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a black 2005 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, CBP officers discovered 12 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 27.82 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $214,540.

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 visit www.cbp.gov.