Border patrol agents seized over $828,000 worth of cocaine and marijuana in three separate, unrelated incidents over a three-day period at the Pharr and Anzalduas International Bridges.
“Whether narcotics are hidden in passenger vehicles or in commercial trucks, our CBP officers’ vigilance is always present and ready to detect those involved in illicit activities amongst the multitude of legitimate travelers,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
The first interception involved a 42-year-old woman from San Pedro, Nuevo Leon, Mexico driving a red Chevy Aveo. Officers discovered 25 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 64 pounds (29 kg) hidden within the car. These drugs are valued at $493,000.
The second incident occurred later that day, at the same border crossing after officers discovered 10 packages of alleged cocaine hidden within a black Pontiac G6 occupied by a 43-year-old man and his 29-year-old wife, both from Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas. The cocaine valued at $193,000.
The last seizure involved a 28-year-old man from Reynosa, Mexico driving a commercial truck hauling a backhoe (heavy equipment) for further inspection. A thorough examination utilizing all available tools and resources resulted in the discovery of 345 packages of alleged marijuana concealed within the structure of the machinery. The value of the narcotics is $142,000 for the 706.5 pounds (320.5 kg) of marijuana.
Officers seized all the narcotics, the vehicles and arrested the four persons involved in the failed drug smuggling attempts.
Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection