BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Veterans International Bridge made a significant drug bust on Thursday, August 15, intercepting a load of alleged cocaine valued at approximately $302,602. The drugs were found concealed within a 1996 Volvo attempting to cross into the United States.
The seizure occurred when a 46-year-old male Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, attempted entry into the U.S. During a routine inspection, the vehicle was flagged for further scrutiny and referred to CBP’s secondary inspection area. There, with the assistance of a canine unit and a non-intrusive inspection system (NII), officers discovered 10 packages hidden inside the vehicle. These packages contained a total of 22.66 pounds of alleged cocaine.
In addition to the narcotics, CBP officers also found and seized a handgun, two magazines, and 10 rounds of .380-caliber ammunition within the vehicle.
Port Director Tater Ortiz of the Brownsville Port of Entry praised the vigilance and diligence of the officers, noting that their thorough efforts led to the interception of this substantial load of narcotics.
Following the seizure, CBP officers took control of the narcotics, the firearm, and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and have since initiated a criminal investigation into the incident.–News Desk