BROWNSVILLE, Texas—Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at Brownsville’s Gateway International Bridge arrested two persons in separate, unrelated incidents after discovering $170,680 worth of alleged cocaine concealed within the vehicles they were driving.
Bundles containing 12 pounds of cocaine, one of two loads totaling 22 pounds realized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry
“These interceptions of hard narcotics, although compact in quantity, are indicative of our relentless efforts in keeping dangerous drugs from crossing our borders,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Although the small-load concept has become more commonplace, our officers’ relentless efforts nevertheless continue to have a positive impact on interdicting this activity.”
The first seizure occurred on May 2 at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville after CBP officers came in contact with a silver 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by an 18-year-old female U.S. citizen from Brownsville. A CBP officer referred her and the vehicle for a secondary examination and it was there that officers discovered five packages of alleged cocaine hidden within the Malibu. CBP officers seized the narcotics which weighed approximately 12 pounds and have an estimated street value of $92,820.
The second incident occurred at the same border crossing on May 4 after CBP officers referred a white 2007 Chevy Malibu driven by a 33-year-old male Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Mexico for a secondary inspection. During the examination, officers discovered four packages of alleged cocaine weighing approximately 10 pounds hidden within the Chevy. CBP officers seized the cocaine which carries an estimated street value of $77,860.
CBP OFO seized both vehicles and arrested the two individuals who were ultimately released to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.