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  4. CBP Field Operations Seizes $897K in Narcotics at Hidalgo International Bridge

CBP Field Operations Seizes $897K in Narcotics at Hidalgo International Bridge

Release Date
Mon, 07/13/2015

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized alleged methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin valued at approximately $897,000 in three separate, unrelated incidents this weekend.

“The small load concept continues to be utilized at our international bridges and just as the smuggler’s creativity to conceal their merchandise increases, so does our officers’ ability to detect these illicit narcotics,” said Acting Port Director Javier Cantu, Hidalgo/Pharr/ Anzalduas Port of Entry.

The first seizure occurred at the Hidalgo International Bridge on July 10 after CBP officers referred a 19-year-old male U.S. citizen from Houston driving a red 1993 Chevy Silverado pickup for a secondary inspection. With the use of a vehicle non-intrusive imaging system, officers discovered seven packages of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the Silverado. CBP OFO removed and seized the narcotics which weighed approximately 17.33 pounds and carried an estimated street value of $346,000.

At the same border crossing later that evening, CBP officers referred a blue 2002 Volkswagen Jetta driven by a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen from Douglassville, Georgia for a secondary examination. While inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered 25 packages of alleged cocaine concealed within the Jetta. CBP OFO seized the 12.30 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $95,000.

The following day, also at the Hidalgo International Bridge, CBP officers referred a 19-year-old male Mexican citizen from the state of Mexico and the black 2007 Chevy Equinox he was driving for a secondary inspection. With the assistance of a canine unit, officers discovered and seized nine packages of alleged heroin hidden within the Chevy, which weighed approximately 20.10 pounds and had an estimated street value of $456,000.

CBP OFO arrested the three persons involved in the failed drug smuggling attempts and ultimately released them to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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