BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Veterans International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine, valued at approximately $131,900, hidden within a silver 2006 Chevrolet Impala.
“This seizure was possible due to outstanding work of our highly skilled and dedicated CBP officers,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I commend our officers for their continued achievements in securing our border.”
The seizure took place on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Veterans International Bridge when a 34-year-old male Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a silver 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination. Upon inspection of the vehicle, and with the assistance of a CBP narcotics detector canine and the use of non-intrusive inspection technology (NII), CBP officers discovered and removed seven packages containing a total of 17.11 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $131,900.
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.