CBP Field Operations Seizes $3 Million in Narcotics at Rio Grande Valley International Bridges

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr and Anzalduas International Bridges seized $3,231,000 worth of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine this weekend in separate, unrelated incidents.

“This was a busy weekend for our CBP officers working at our international bridges,” said Port Director David Gonzalez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “These great interceptions of hard narcotics truly exemplify our officers’ continued commitment of helping keep our borders safe from harmful drugs while processing legitimate trade and travelers.”

The first and most significant seizure occurred on March 23, 2019 after a CBP officer at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge referred a white 2008 Nissan Rogue driven by a 25-year-old woman from Reynosa, Tamaulipas for a secondary inspection. CBP officers conducting the secondary examination discovered packages of suspected narcotics concealed within the Nissan. In total, CBP OFO seized 18 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 95.68 pounds (43.40 kg) and six packages of alleged heroin that weighed 44 pounds (19.98 kg). The estimated value of the methamphetamine is $1,900,000 and $999,000 for the heroin.

The second interception occurred the same day, at the Anzalduas International Bridge. A CBP officer referred a 37-year-old woman also from Reynosa and the red 2002 Jeep Liberty she was driving for further inspection. In secondary, officers discovered 14 packages of alleged cocaine hidden within the Jeep. CBP OFO removed and seized 43 pounds (19.5 kg) of cocaine valued at $332,000.

CBP officers utilized the assistance of (canine teams), in both interceptions.

CBP OFO seized both vehicles and arrested the two women who were subsequently turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.