Brownsville, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge seized 44 pounds of cocaine in two separate and unrelated drug seizures last weekend. The combined estimated street value of the cocaine is $1.4 million.
On Aug. 8, CBP officers working at the B & M International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 2002 Nissan Altima and its male driver, a 19-year-old Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. After the initial primary examination, the driver and vehicle were referred to secondary for further inspection.
In secondary, officers seized seven packages containing cocaine that were found hidden within the Nissan Altima. The cocaine weighed 18.7 pounds and the estimated street value is $599,651. The vehicle was also seized by CBP.
On Aug. 6, CBP officers working at the B & M International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck and its driver, a 21-year-old Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Mexico. A CBP officer referred the male driver and vehicle to secondary for further inspection.
In secondary, officers seized 10 packages containing cocaine that were found hidden within the pickup truck. In this seizure, the cocaine weighed 25.3 pounds and the estimated street value is $811,292. The pickup truck was seized by CBP.
Both men were transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation for further investigation.
Michael T. Freeman, CBP port director in Brownsville, said, "Our frontline officers are working hard to prevent this type of contraband from entering our country and our communities. I commend our officers for a job well done and for securing our nation's borders."