U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Bridge of the Americas international crossing in El Paso intercepted 45.2 pounds of cocaine on May 27. The narcotics were concealed in a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old female U.S. citizen.
"Every day our dedicated CBP workforce stands guard protecting our community from any and all threats," stated CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. "Our homeland security mission is never-ending, and every drug load that we prevent from reaching its intended destination makes a difference."
The incident began just before 8 a.m. when a 2016 Hyundai Elantra with one female occupant arrived from Mexico. A CBP officer at the primary inspection booth selected the vehicle for further examination.
A CBP drug-sniffing dog detected narcotics, leading officers to discover several wrapped bundles in the car's rocker panels. An x-ray scan confirmed anomalies in these areas, prompting officers to remove 19 cocaine-filled bundles from hidden compartments.
The woman was arrested and handed over to the El Paso County Sheriff's office for charges related to the smuggling attempt.
CBP is recognized as America's frontline, being the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. Its workforce of over 65,000 personnel safeguards America across land, air, and sea, promoting safe travel and trade while enhancing national security through various strategies.
