BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted two loads of alleged cocaine this weekend at the Gateway International Bridge. In two separate incidents, CBP officers discovered the alleged narcotics, with a combined estimated street value of approximately $194,140, hidden within two vehicles.
“I commend our CBP officers for these seizures which exemplify their specialized expertise, commitment, and diligence in keeping narcotics from entering our nation,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry.
of cocaine seized by CBP officers at
Brownsville Port of Entry.
The first seizure took place on Friday, May 5, at Gateway International Bridge when CBP officers working pre-primary operations, referred a 19-year-old female, Mexican citizen who was driving a black 1998 Ford Expedition to CBP secondary for inspection. At secondary, with the assistance of a CBP narcotics detection canine, CBP officers discovered two packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages containing a total of four and a half pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $34,680.
The second load of alleged cocaine was intercepted by CBP officers on Saturday, May 6, at Gateway International Bridge when a 28-year-old female Mexican citizen driving a red 2010 Dodge Challenger, was referred to CBP secondary for further inspection. In secondary, CBP officers discovered a total of eight packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages containing 20.68 pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $159,460.
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.