Brownsville, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Gateway International Bridge seized over 10 pounds of alleged heroin in a northbound enforcement action. CBP officers discovered alleged heroin valued at approximately $323,200 hidden within canned food items.
“Inspectional knowledge, attentiveness and alertness by our CBP officers contributed to the detection and interception of these dangerous drugs and the arrest of the alleged smuggler. I congratulate our officers for this interception and arrest,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville Port of Entry.
On Monday December 16, at Gateway International Bridge a CBP officer conducting vehicular inspections intercepted a male driver of a black 2000 Ford Escort. The man and his vehicle were referred to CBP secondary for further examination after the primary officer noted discrepancies within the vehicle. In secondary the man was identified as a 26-year old Mexico citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, The CBP officers’ examination of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of six cans, each holding one package of alleged heroin. CBP officers removed the six packages which held a combined total weight of 10.1 pounds of alleged heroin.
The alleged heroin from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $323,200.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle and turned the man over to U.S. Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.