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  4. Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $178K in Cocaine in Two Seizures

Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $178K in Cocaine in Two Seizures

Release Date
Wed, 07/01/2020

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged narcotics in two separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $178,500.

“CBP officers continue to protect our borders and communities in the midst of this pandemic. Their commitment to safeguarding our borders is shown in these narcotics seizures,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

Packages containing 11.51 pounds of cocaine
Packages containing 11.51 pounds of cocaine seized
by CBP officers at Gateway International Bridge.

The first seizure took place on Wednesday, June 24, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 26-year-old male United States citizen applied for entry into the United States driving a gold colored 2002 Chevrolet Trail Blazer.  The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  In secondary, CBP officers utilized a non-intrusive imaging system (NII) and a canine unit, discovering five packages hidden within the Chevrolet Trail Blazer.  CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 11.51 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The second seizure took place on Tuesday, June 30, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 22-year-old male United States citizen applied for entry into the United States driving a black 2012 Ford Edge Sport.  The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  In secondary, with the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered five packages hidden within the Ford Edge Sport.  CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 11.64 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $88,740 and $89,760 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.

For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.

Packages containing 11.64 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at B&M Bridge in Brownsville
Packages containing 11.64 pounds of cocaine seized
by CBP officers at B&M Bridge in Brownsville.

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021