HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge this weekend seized alleged cocaine valued at $647,020.
“Smugglers will continue to attempt to introduce illegal narcotics into our country but our CBP officers remain vigilant and committed to the CBP mission,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on Sunday, March 11, at the Hidalgo International Bridge after CBP officers referred a silver 2009 Dodge Caravan to secondary for inspection. A 51-year-old male Mexican citizen from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico drove the vehicle. After a physical inspection and the use a non-intrusive imaging (NII) system along with the help of a canine team, officers discovered 35 packages containing 83.91 pounds of alleged cocaine.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.