U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted nearly $1 million worth of cocaine concealed in a vehicle over the weekend. The operation was part of ongoing enforcement activities aimed at curbing drug trafficking across the border.
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry stated, "Our frontline CBP officers continue to build on the steady enforcement activity from the previous week and intercepted yet another significant load of cocaine in a passenger vehicle." He emphasized that such seizures highlight "the reality of the drug threat and the importance of advancing our border security mission."
The incident occurred on May 16 when CBP officers stopped a 2002 Ford Ranger driven by a 21-year-old U.S. citizen entering from Mexico. A routine inspection using nonintrusive technology and canine units led to the discovery of 28 packages containing alleged cocaine, weighing approximately 74 pounds. The street value is estimated at $989,049.
Following this discovery, CBP's Office of Field Operations seized both the narcotics and the vehicle involved. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and have launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
CBP encourages following their Laredo Field Office for updates via social media platforms like X and Instagram under @DFOLaredo, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection accounts at @CBPSouthTexas for more news and stories.
As America's largest law enforcement organization, CBP plays a crucial role in safeguarding national borders through various means including intelligence gathering and collaboration with other agencies.
