U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility seized more than $1.1 million worth of suspected cocaine on April 15, according to an April 20 announcement.
The seizure is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts by border officials to prevent illegal drugs from entering the United States.
CBP’s Acting Deputy Commissioner Ron Vitello said, “Under the powerful leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, our frontline CBP officers utilized an effective combination of technological tools and inspections experience to zero-in on and interdict this significant cocaine load.” Vitello added, “These narcotics will not enter the U.S. and wreak any further havoc on our communities.”
According to CBP, officers encountered a commercial tractor trailer with an empty trailer arriving from Reynosa, Mexico. The vehicle was referred for secondary inspection using nonintrusive equipment and a canine team. A physical search led to the discovery of 32 packages containing suspected cocaine concealed within the trailer floor, weighing a total of 83.24 pounds (37.76 kilograms). The estimated street value is $1,111,503.
CBP reported that both the narcotics and the vehicle were seized following the inspection. Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations have started a criminal investigation into this case.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization with over 67,000 personnel responsible for securing borders on land, air, and sea while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
