U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge have intercepted over $618,000 worth of cocaine concealed within a vehicle. The incident took place on May 14 when officers encountered a 2013 Nissan Rogue entering from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection using nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. The subsequent physical inspection uncovered 21 packages of alleged cocaine weighing a total of 46.34 pounds (21.02 kg).
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, responsible for the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, commented on the seizure: “Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain strict vigilance, even amid the sweltering heat this week, and seized a significant load of cocaine.” He added that such seizures demonstrate "CBP’s continued commitment to advancing the agency’s border security mission."
The estimated street value of the cocaine is approximately $618,744. Following standard procedure, CBP Office of Field Operations seized both the narcotics and the vehicle involved in this incident. They handed them over to Texas Department of Public Safety officers who arrested the driver and began a criminal investigation.
For updates and more information on related events, follow CBP's Laredo Field Office on social media platforms such as X under @DFOLaredo or Instagram at @dfolaredo.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains committed to protecting America's borders with its team of over 65,000 personnel working across various domains including land, air, and sea to ensure safe travel and trade while enhancing national security through collaborative efforts.
