U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas intercepted a significant shipment of cocaine valued at $6.2 million. The drugs were concealed within a shipment of plastic rolls.
"Large cocaine seizures like this not only underscore the seriousness of the drug threat our frontline CBP officers face every day but also the effectiveness of applying inspection experience and technology to zero in and take down this load, preventing it from reaching U.S. streets," stated Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The discovery occurred on March 5 when CBP officers inspected a commercial tractor trailer entering from Mexico. Using nonintrusive inspection equipment and canine screening, officers uncovered 150 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 470.68 pounds (213.5 kg) hidden within the cargo.
The driver, along with the narcotics and vehicle, was handed over to the Texas Department of Public Safety for further investigation.
CBP remains committed to its mission as America's largest law enforcement organization, safeguarding lawful travel and trade while enhancing national security through advanced methods and collaboration.
