Getty Image
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry in Texas seized over $2.1 million worth of cocaine in a single bust this week.
On October 30, at the Camino Real International Bridge import lot, a Customs and Border Protection officer was inspecting a tractor-trailer when he referred it for a secondary inspection.
During a secondary examination, CBP officers discovered 60 packages containing a total of 162 pounds of alleged cocaine within the conveyance. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $2,167,372.
“This large cocaine seizure in the cargo environment reflects the reality of the drug threat our frontline officers face every day,” said Port Director Pete Beattie, Eagle Pass Port of Entry. “Our frontline officers utilize all their training, high tech tools and resources as they conduct their examinations and this seizure exemplifies our continued dedication to CBP’s border security mission.”
The narcotics and the tractor-trailer were all seized in the bust. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are now investigating.
Halloween “snow”storm: Vigilant @DFOLaredo @CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry uncovered a $2.1M cocaine smuggling attempt within a tractor trailer. @HSI_SanAntonio is investigating. Read more here: https://t.co/wsxormnnOQ pic.twitter.com/Znhe9wUUzN
— CBP South Texas (@CBPSouthTexas) October 31, 2024
Meanwhile, on the same day as the drug seizure in Eagle Pass, Texas, Customs and Border Protection officers in Brownsville, Texas were making their own massive cocaine bust.
There, officers assigned to the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge discovered and seized approximately $608,147 worth of cocaine hidden inside a 2015 Nissan being driven by a 22-year-old female United States citizen.
With the aid of a canine unit and a non-intrusive inspection system, CBP officers located 20 packages containing a total of 45.54 pounds of cocaine hidden within the vehicle.
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by the CBP officers and the driver was arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents.
#Brownsville coke takedown: @DFOLaredo @CBP officers seize $608K in cocaine in vehicle at B&M Bridge. Driver arrested. @HSI_SanAntonio is investigating. Read more here: https://t.co/Wzvr02X1bE pic.twitter.com/0zJzpG6MDo
— CBP South Texas (@CBPSouthTexas) October 31, 2024
“Our CBP officers use multiple enforcement tools when conducting their inspections and their efforts yielded this significant drug seizure keeping it from reaching our streets,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.