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  4. Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize $536K in Narcotics in Two Seizures

Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize $536K in Narcotics in Two Seizures

Release Date
Tue, 06/02/2020

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged cocaine and marijuana in two separate enforcement actions over the weekend, that have a combined estimated street value of $536,998. 

“Our officers take their responsibility of safeguarding our borders and stopping narcotics from entering the country very seriously,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “These are perfect examples of their commitment.”

Packages containing 68.56 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
Packages containing 68.56 pounds of cocaine seized
by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry.

The first seizure took place on Saturday, May 30, at the Veterans International Bridge when a 21-year-old male United States citizen applied for entry into the United States driving a 1997 Ford F-150. The driver was referred to CBP secondary for further examination. In secondary, CBP officers discovered 30 packages hidden within the Ford F-150.  CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 68.56 pounds of alleged cocaine that carry an estimated street value of $528,700.

The second seizure also took place on Saturday, May 30, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge, when a man attempted entry as the driver of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.  The driver, identified as a 24-year-old male United States citizen, was referred to CBP secondary, for further examination after a primary inspection.  CBP officers discovered 26 packages concealed within the vehicle, which contained a total of 41.49 pounds of alleged marijuana and have an estimated street value of $8,298.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the drivers, and turned them 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