U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $1 million worth of cocaine hidden inside a passenger bus at the Hidalgo Port of Entry, according to an April 17 announcement.
The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by border officials to prevent illegal drugs from entering American communities.
According to the statement, CBP officers referred a commercial bus for secondary inspection on April 11 at the Hidalgo International Bridge. Using canine units and nonintrusive inspection systems, officers found 36 packages containing a total of 78 pounds of suspected cocaine concealed within the seats of the bus. The estimated street value is $1,042,034.
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said, “This hard narcotics seizure exemplifies CBP’s steadfast effort to keep our borders secure. This poison will not enter our streets thanks to the enforcement focus of our frontline officers.”
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by authorities. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are conducting further investigation into the case.
CBP describes itself as America's largest law enforcement organization and says its more than 67,000 personnel work across land, air, and sea to enforce travel and trade laws while supporting national security.
