CBP at Hidalgo International Bridge Seize More Meth, California Man Arrested

HIDALGO, TEXAS—Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized more than $200,000 worth of methamphetamine and arrested a man from Redwood City, Calif., in connection with the alleged smuggling attempt.

The seizure occurred on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27, after CBP officers encountered a white 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge. The driver, a 40-year-old male lawful permanent resident (LPR) from California presented his LPR card to the officer and was referred to secondary for a more thorough inspection. While inspecting the vehicle in secondary officers discovered a container filled with alleged methamphetamine which weighed approximately 6.16 kilograms (13.58 pounds) that was concealed within the vehicle. CBP seized the narcotics which have an estimated street value of $203,000 and the vehicle as well.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested the adult male and subsequently released him to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation.

"This was an outstanding seizure of hard narcotics which drug trafficking organizations attempted to smuggle," said Efrain Solis Jr., port director, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. "Our officers stepped up to the plate and due to their diligence were able to locate these dangerous drugs."