U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge have seized an estimated $647,000 worth of cocaine that was hidden inside a vehicle. The discovery occurred on August 9, when officers stopped a Buick SUV attempting to enter the United States from Mexico.
The inspection process included nonintrusive technology and a canine team, which led officers to uncover 20 packages containing about 48.45 pounds (21.98 kilograms) of suspected cocaine concealed in the vehicle.
CBP officials reported that both the narcotics and the vehicle were taken into custody. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and began a criminal investigation into the incident.
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry commented on the operation: “As this latest interception clearly illustrates, our frontline CBP officers continue to work tirelessly to keep harmful narcotics off American streets.”
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization and highlights its role in protecting national security through border management operations across land, air, and sea. The agency employs more than 65,000 people who facilitate travel and trade while working to prevent illegal substances from entering the country.
For updates and additional information on local CBP activities, readers can follow official accounts on X at @DFOLaredo or @CBPSouthTexas, as well as Instagram at @dfolaredo.
