Hidalgo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized 90.2 pounds of cocaine early this morning in two unrelated drug seizures. The combined estimated street value of the cocaine is $2.8 million.
On July 29, CBP officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 2009 Dodge Journey SUV and its driver, a 36-year-old U.S. citizen from Des Moines, Wash. A CBP officer referred the vehicle and male driver for further inspection. During secondary inspection, officers seized 41 packages of cocaine hidden within the vehicle. The cocaine weighed 41.2 pounds, with an estimated street value of $1.3 million.
A few hours later that same day, Hidalgo CBP officers came in contact with a northbound 2001 Pontiac Grand Am sedan and its driver, a 23-year-old Mexican citizen from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. After the initial examination, the female driver and vehicle were referred for further inspection. During secondary inspection, officers seized 20 packages of cocaine that were hidden in the car. Officers seized 49 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $1.5 million.
CBP officers seized both vehicles and transferred the travelers to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents for further investigation.
Hector A. Mancha, CBP Port Director, Hidalgo-Pharr said, "Our frontline officers continue doing great enforcement work. A few days ago, our officers seized a significant amount of heroin." Mancha further said, "I commend our officers for their work in securing our nation's borders."