U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized more than $2.8 million worth of narcotics in two separate incidents over the weekend, according to an April 2 announcement.
The seizures highlight ongoing efforts by border officials to prevent illegal drugs from entering the United States and underscore the vigilance required for border security operations.
Port Director Pete Beattie said, “These two significant hard narcotics seizures with a combined street value of more than $2.8 million reflect the continued vigilance and alertness our CBP officers put forth on a daily basis. These narcotics will not enter U.S. streets thanks to their dedication to CBP’s border security mission.”
The first incident took place on March 27 at the Camino Real International Bridge when a 28-year-old female United States citizen driving a Chevrolet Suburban was referred for secondary inspection. Officers used canine units and nonintrusive inspection systems to discover 25 packages containing about 57 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in the vehicle’s floorboard, with an estimated street value of $762,392.
A second seizure occurred on March 29 at the Eagle Pass International Bridge when a 45-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a Chevrolet Traverse hauling a trailer was also referred for further examination. Officers found approximately 237 pounds of suspected methamphetamine concealed within the trailer’s floorboard, valued at over $2.1 million.
CBP seized both vehicles and all narcotics involved in these cases. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested both drivers and have started criminal investigations into each incident.
According to information released by CBP, it is America’s largest law enforcement organization with more than 67,000 employees working across land, air, and sea borders.
