U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Nearly $510,000 in Cocaine at Brownsville Port of Entry

Brownsville, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Gateway International Bridge recently intercepted approximately $509,760 of cocaine concealed within a Chevrolet Impala.

On December 27, CBP officers at the Gateway International Bridge encountered a male driving a white 2001 Chevrolet Impala as he arrived at a CBP primary inspection booth. The driver, identified as a 23-year-old male United States citizen, residing in Brownsville, was referred for a secondary inspection. An examination by CBP officers during the secondary inspection revealed six concealed packages of alleged cocaine hidden within the Chevrolet. Upon removal, the packages had a combined total weight of 15.93 pounds.

The alleged cocaine from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $509,760. CBP officers turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.

"Protecting our borders is what the dedicated men and women of CBP do on a daily basis. Keeping drugs out of our country and off our streets is a direct result of their vigilance and service, two of the CBP core values. I congratulate the Brownsville CBP officers on this interception and arrest; and also for their continuous integrity in protecting us all," said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville port of entry.