Border Crisis: Officers Seize $113K Worth of Cocaine at International Bridge

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine valued at more than $113,220 hidden within a 2011 Chrysler.

“Our officers remain vigilant in keeping our borders secure and were able to stop these drugs from entering our country,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

The seizure took place on Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 22-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2011 Chrysler. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered six packages hidden within the vehicle.  CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 14.68 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the cocaine from the seizure is approximately $113,220.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.