U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Veterans International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, seized a shipment of cocaine valued at nearly $490,000 on February 14. The narcotics were found hidden inside a 1987 Kenworth tractor during an inspection at the cargo lot.
Port Director Tater Ortiz of the Brownsville Port of Entry stated, "We must maintain our vigilance regardless of the mode of transportation and our officers’ efforts led to this significant drug seizure, keeping it from reaching our streets."
The incident occurred after officers referred the vehicle for secondary inspection when a scan revealed irregularities. With assistance from a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 16 packages concealed within the tractor. These packages contained a total of 36.64 pounds of suspected cocaine.
Both the narcotics and the vehicle were seized by CBP officers. Homeland Security Investigations special agents have started a criminal investigation into the matter.
Since January 21, 2025, over 63,000 pounds of narcotics have been seized by the Laredo Field Office.
CBP describes itself as America's frontline and notes that its workforce exceeds 67,000 people who protect U.S. borders on land, air, and sea while enforcing laws related to travel and trade.
For more updates on regional enforcement activities and agency news, CBP encourages following its social media accounts including those managed by the Laredo Field Office on X @DFOLaredo and Instagram @dfolaredo as well as X @CBPSouthTexas.
