Brownsville and Eagle Pass, Texas — In a series of significant border security operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Eagle Pass Ports of Entry seized a substantial amount of narcotics and weaponry, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure the U.S. borders.
On June 9, at the Los Indios International Bridge in Brownsville, CBP officers intercepted a load of mixed narcotics hidden within a 2006 Ford. The vehicle, driven by a 24-year-old male U.S. citizen from Harlingen, Texas, was subjected to a secondary inspection following a primary check. With the assistance of a canine unit and non-intrusive inspection systems, officers discovered and seized packages containing 77.64 pounds of cocaine, 29.71 pounds of heroin, 2.81 ounces of fentanyl, and 180 pills of Alprazolam. The estimated street value of the narcotics is approximately $1,610,767. The driver was arrested and handed over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
“This significant narcotics interception showcases our officers’ experience and enforcement efforts,” said Tater Ortiz, Port Director at Brownsville Port of Entry.
In a related operation on June 10, CBP officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized four weapons, seven magazines, and 700 rounds of ammunition during an outbound enforcement action at the Camino Real International Bridge. The contraband was discovered in a plastic tote within a southbound 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 hauling a trailer, which was referred for secondary inspection using non-intrusive inspection systems.
“This outbound enforcement action illustrates CBP’s commitment to our border security mission and keeping our border communities safe,” stated Pete Beattie, Port Director at Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
Both operations underscore the critical role of CBP in intercepting illegal drugs and firearms, thereby enhancing the security and safety of U.S. border communities.–News Desk