BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry recently intercepted two loads of alleged narcotics in one day at the Gateway International Bridge. CBP officers discovered the alleged drugs, carrying a combined street value of approximately $146,139, hidden within the two vehicles.
“These multiple seizures are the result of the experience of our officers and their diligence in performing their inspectional duties,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The first seizure took place on Tuesday, June 7 at Gateway International Bridge when CBP officers working primary encountered a man as he arrived at the port of entry as the driver of a red 2008 Pontiac Solstice. The man, identified as a 20-year-old Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Mexico, was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the help of a K-9 unit, CBP officers working in secondary discovered six packages hidden within the Pontiac Solstice. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 16.67 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The second seizure also occurred on Tuesday, June 7, at Gateway International Bridge when a 36-year-old female Mexican citizen who resides in Valle Hermoso, Mexico, attempted entry into the United States, driving a silver 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and was referred to CBP secondary for further examination. With the help of a K-9 unit, CBP officers discovered 57 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 88.10 pounds of alleged marijuana.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from these seizures is approximately $128,520, and $17,619, respectively.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the drivers, and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.