BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) found more than a half-million dollars worth of cocaine in an inspection last week.
CBP said its officers working at the Veterans International Bridge import lot intercepted a load of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $611,680.
“Through unwavering vigilance, our officers diligently continue in their efforts to intercept dangerous narcotics, disrupt criminal networks, and this significant seizure is a step forward in safeguarding our communities,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The seizure took place on Oct. 21, at the Veterans International Bridge commercial import lot. CBP officers referred a 2005 International along with its flatbed trailer, driven by a 39-year-old male, Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, to CBP secondary for further examination after a pre-primary non-intrusive inspection system (NII) detected anomalies within the vehicle.
CBP said in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a canine unit, officers discovered 20 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 45.81 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the cocaine is $611,680.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
