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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the International Bridge in Hidalgo, Texas had a big day on Friday, Dec. 13. In one single enforcement action, they managed to seize over $4.2 worth of illegal narcotics that one person was trying to smuggle into the country.
Agents with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Hidalgo Port of Entry, were working the the International Bridge there when a CBP officer referred a 2013 Chrysler van for secondary inspection. Using CBP canines and a non-intrusive inspection system, the federal agents discovered 30 packages filled with a total of 442 pounds of alleged meth and two packages containing a total of nearly 18 pounds of alleged heroin concealed within the vehicle.
“This is a high-value, combination load of narcotics and this interception reflects our CBP officers effective use of inspections experience, training and technology to successfully zero-in on this seizure and prevent this poison from reaching our streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry, in a press release.
The seized meth and heroin, had the drugs made their way on to the streets of America, would have been worth approximately $4,294,759.
The 2013 Chrysler van and the illegal narcotics were turned over to state and local High Intensity Drug Task Force (HIDTA) agents who arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
Double trouble: @DFOLaredo @CBP officers at #Hidalgo Port of Entry seize $4.2M in methamphetamine, heroin hidden in vehicle. Driver, passenger arrested by state and local HIDTA, which is investigating. Read more: https://t.co/bd7XYB904c pic.twitter.com/3fR1PPGxlT
— CBP South Texas (@CBPSouthTexas) December 17, 2024
The main U.S. Customs and Border Protection X (Twitter) account has been recapping the organization’s 24 most memorable moments of 2024. Some of those moments include the seizure of two endangered howler monkeys, discovering and seizing $4 million worth of fentanyl pills hidden throughout the frame of a pick-up truck, and the seizure of more than 2,000 pieces of counterfeit jewelry with a street value of over $10 million.
On the fifth day of Christmas, did your true love give you 5 REAL golden rings? In July, we seized more than 2,000 pieces of counterfeit jewelry with a street value of over $10M. The brands ranged from Louis Vuitton to Bulgari. #CBP24in2024 ➡️https://t.co/tlgMTri2l3 pic.twitter.com/xx5bNmBNyF
— CBP (@CBP) December 16, 2024