U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) agents at the Hidalgo and Anzalduas International Bridges seized $561,340 in alleged cocaine in two separate incidents last week.
“Once again, our frontline officers have demonstrated their commitment towards the CBP mission of keeping dangerous drugs from crossing our international borders,” Area Port Director Efrain Solis, Jr., said. “By working as a team and utilizing all available tools and resources, our officers accomplished these outstanding interceptions of hard narcotics.”
The first incident began on July 9 when officers stationed at the Hidalgo International Bridge referred a 2008 Dodge Caliber for a secondary examination. The car was driven by an 18-year-old female Mexican citizen. After inspecting the vehicle with the use of a non-intrusive imaging system, agents discovered 15 packages containing approximately 35 pounds of alleged cocaine. The narcotics carried an approximate street value of $269,280.
The second incident occurred on the Anzalduas International Bridge when officers referred a white 2011 Nissan Altima for a secondary examination. The car was driven by a 46-year-old male Mexican citizen. After inspecting the car with the use of a non-intrusive imaging system and a canine team, agents discovered 15 packages of alleged cocaine weighing approximately 38 pounds.
CBP OFO agents seized the narcotics along with the vehicles and arrested both drivers. The drivers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations agents for further processing.