BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted cocaine and methamphetamine in two separate enforcement actions this past weekend that have a combined estimated street value of $784,576.
“Our officers’ diligence and keen observation skills were important factors in these seizures. Their thoroughness allowed them to intercept these dangerous drugs and keep them from entering our country,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I congratulate our officers for the outstanding job they do day in and day out.”
The first seizure took place on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Los Indios International Bridge, when CBP officers encountered a 35-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, as the driver of a white 2006 Kenworth tractor. The driver was referred to CBP secondary, for further examination after the primary inspection. With the aid of a non-intrusive imaging system, CBP officers discovered 37 packages hidden within the Kenworth tractor. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 83.34 pounds of cocaine that carry an estimated street value of $642,600.
The second seizure took place on Friday, Aug. 30, at the Veterans International Bridge, when CBP officers encountered a 41-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, as the driver of a white 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver was referred to CBP secondary, for further examination after the primary inspection. In the secondary inspection area, CBP officers discovered 120 packages hidden within the Chevrolet Tahoe. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 7.09 pounds of methamphetamine that carry an estimated street value of $141,976.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the travelers, and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
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