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  4. CBP Field Operations Seizes $2 Million in Heroin at the Hidalgo International Bridge

CBP Field Operations Seizes $2 Million in Heroin at the Hidalgo International Bridge

Release Date
Tue, 05/21/2013

HIDALGO, TEXAS—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge, arrested a Nashville, Tenn. man in connection with a seizure of heroin valued at approximately $2,121,000.

The incident occurred on Monday morning, May 20, at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge after CBP-OFO officers encountered a 61-year-old male Mexican national at the pedestrian walkway. The adult male traveler presented his lawful permanent resident card (I-551) to the OFO officer who subsequently referred him to secondary for a more thorough examination after noting irregularities with his luggage. In the course of the secondary inspection, officers discovered suspected narcotics concealed within three pairs of shoes and within the lining of two suitcases. Officers seized 2.3 kilograms (5.07 pounds) of alleged heroin within the shoes and 7.32 kilograms (16.14 pounds) within the suitcases for a combined approximate weight of 9.62 kilograms (21.21 pounds).

CBP-OFO arrested the adult male and he was then released to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.

"Our officers' outstanding attention to detail and exceptional inspection techniques allowed for this interception of hard narcotics to be accomplished," said Efrain Solis Jr., Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. "This unusual concealment method is yet another example of the creativity utilized by drug smuggling organizations in their attempts to bring narcotics into our country."

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021