U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge have intercepted heroin valued at $158,145. The seizure occurred on January 15 when a 2000 Chevrolet was flagged for further inspection following an initial check.

Port Director Tater Ortiz of the Brownsville Port of Entry commented on the operation: "Our CBP officers conduct their inspections using different enforcement tools and their efforts yielded this significant narcotics seizure."

During the secondary inspection, which involved a canine unit and a non-intrusive inspection system, officers discovered 0.31 pounds of brown heroin and 9.06 pounds of black tar heroin. The estimated street values are $5,919 for the brown heroin and $152,226 for the black tar heroin.

Following the discovery, CBP seized both the narcotics and the vehicle involved. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and began a criminal investigation into the matter.

CBP is recognized as America's frontline in border protection, with over 65,000 personnel working to safeguard U.S. borders by facilitating lawful travel and trade while enhancing national security through various innovative measures.

For more updates from CBP’s Laredo Field Office, follow them on X @DFOLaredo or Instagram @dfolaredo.