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  4. Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize Nearly $2 Million in Narcotics at Gateway International Bridge

Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize Nearly $2 Million in Narcotics at Gateway International Bridge

Release Date
Thu, 11/30/2017

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged methamphetamine and heroin. CBP officers discovered the alleged narcotics, valued at approximately $1,996,629, concealed within a white 2016 Chevrolet Tornado.

“I congratulate our officers for their role in this significant seizure,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Our officers’ experience and vigilance played an important role in this seizure and our streets are safer for it”

Packages containing 77 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
Packages containing 77 pounds of
methamphetamine seized by CBP
officers at Brownsville Port of Entry

The seizure took place on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 64-year-old male Mexican citizen, who resides in Brownsville, Texas, applied for entry into the United States driving a white 2016 Chevrolet Tornado pick-up. The driver was accompanied by a 58-year-old female passenger who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the help of a non-intrusive imaging system which detected anomalies within the vehicle and a K-9 unit, CBP officers discovered a total of 26 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 77.38 pounds of alleged methamphetamine in 18 packages and 19.8 pounds of alleged heroin contained in eight packages.

The estimated street value of the methamphetamine and heroin from the seizure is approximately $1,547,629 and $449,000 respectively.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and passenger, and turned them 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