Federal Agents Seize $4.3 Million Worth Of Cocaine At Border Stops In Texas

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Over a span of three days, federal Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents intercepted $4.3 million worth of cocaine in four seizures at border crossings in Texas. Over 300 pounds of cocaine was seized in total.

The first drug seizure occurred on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Camino Real International Bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas. There, a 2013 Freightliner tractor hauling a fuel tanker was pulled over by CBP officers for a secondary inspection. Upon utilization of CBP canines and a non-intrusive inspection system, the officers found 42 packages containing a total of 108.29 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the tractor. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is $1,445,896.

“Our frontline officers continue to maintain rigorous vigilance and that dedication coupled with non-intrusive inspection system technology yielded this significant cocaine seizure,” said Port Director Pete Beattie, Eagle Pass Port of Entry.

CBP seized the narcotics, tractor and tanker. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents initiated a criminal investigation.

On February 7 and 8, CBP officers assigned to the Anzalduas International Bridge in Texas intercepted $1,328,000 worth of cocaine. 14 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 25.48 pounds was discovered hidden inside a black GMC SUV in the first bust. The next day, at the Hidalgo International Bridge, CBP agents found 29 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 74.03 pounds hidden within a silver Dodge SUV.

The driver, narcotics and vehicle in the first seizure were turned over to Hidalgo Police Department. CBP agents seized the narcotics and vehicle in the second bust, while Homeland Security Investigations began a criminal investigation.

Also on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Pharr International Bridge, a CBP officer referred a 2014 Chevy Captiva for secondary inspection. After the utilization of CBP canines and a non-intrusive inspection system, they discovered 35 packages containing a total of 82.36 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle.

The drugs had an estimated street value of $1,099,728. CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle, while Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents arrested the driver of the vehicle.

The same day, Feb.7, at the Laredo Port of Entry, a CBP officer at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a 2020 Honda CR-V sport utility vehicle for secondary inspection. Using CBP canines and a non-intrusive inspection system, officers discovered 15 packages containing a total of 37 pounds of alleged cocaine concealed in the vehicle. Those narcotics had an estimated street value of $498,940.

“The experience and tenacity of our frontline CBP officers combined with the effective use of non-intrusive inspection system technology resulted in the takedown of this load of cocaine,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

Douglas Charles headshot avatar BroBible
Douglas Charles is a Senior Editor for BroBible with two decades of expertise writing about sports, science, and pop culture with a particular focus on the weird news and events that capture the internet's attention. He is a graduate from the University of Iowa.
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