U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted more than 50 pounds of cocaine last week in a major drug bust at the Texas-Mexico border.
On June 27, CBP officers encountered a white Ford SUV attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico. The vehicle was referred for further inspection using non-intrusive inspection systems and a canine detection team.
A physical search led to the discovery of 20 packages hidden inside the vehicle, containing a total of 50.08 pounds (22.72 kg) of suspected cocaine. The drugs have an estimated street value of $668,700.
CBP officers seized both the narcotics and the SUV, and the driver was taken into custody. The case has been turned over to Homeland Security Investigations, which is conducting a criminal investigation.
“CBP officers work tirelessly to keep harmful narcotics off our streets,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director for Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Seizures like these exemplify CBP’s continued commitment to upholding our border security mission.”