CBP Field Operations Seizes Almost 300 Pounds of Marijuana at the Hidalgo International Bridge

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a man after seizing almost 300 pounds of alleged marijuana hidden within a van arriving from Mexico.

"These drugs will not make it to their intended destination. CBP officers stopped another substantial amount of marijuana on the frontline," said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. "Our CBP officers' vigilance and observation skills greatly contributed to the interception of this dangerous drug."

The seizure occurred on June 17 at the Hidalgo International Bridge after a 24-year-old man from Veracruz, Mexico arrived driving a silver 1993 Ford Econoline van. CBP officers inspected the vehicle, with the assistance of a canine team and with the use of a non-intrusive imaging inspection system (NII), discovered 288 pounds of alleged marijuana hidden within the van. The 48 packages of marijuana have an estimated street value of $57,600 and were seized by CBP.

CBP Field Operations arrested the driver and subsequently turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.