U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted a significant amount of cocaine on Easter Sunday. The officers discovered $850,000 worth of alleged cocaine hidden inside a vehicle.
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, commented, "Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain strict vigilance amid heavy traffic on holidays like Easter Sunday and that dedication and effective utilization of technology and experience resulted in this significant cocaine seizure."
The incident occurred on April 20, when CBP officers encountered a black GMC SUV entering from Mexico. The vehicle was referred for additional inspection, which employed non-intrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. Officers conducted a physical inspection, uncovering 24 packages of alleged cocaine weighing a total of 63.80 pounds (29.72 kg) concealed in the vehicle.
CBP OFO confiscated the narcotics and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations took the driver into custody and commenced a criminal investigation.
For further updates, follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on X at @DFOLaredo, on Instagram at @dfolaredo, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPSouthTexas.
CBP is the nation’s largest law enforcement organization and manages the border with more than 65,000 employees safeguarding travel and trade to enhance national security and economic prosperity.
