$850K in cocaine seized at Hidalgo International Bridge on Easter

HIDALGO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge on Easter Sunday seized $850,000 in alleged cocaine that were concealed in a vehicle.

The agency's news release reported on Sunday that officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a black GMC SUV making entry from Mexico.

Packages containing nearly 64 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge.

An officer referred the vehicle for further inspection, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a K-9 team.

The inspection lead to the discovery of 24 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 63.80 pounds concealed within the vehicle. 

“Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain strict vigilance amid heavy traffic on holidays like Easter Sunday and that dedication and effective utilization of technology and experience resulted in this significant cocaine seizure,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations arrested the driver and began a criminal investigation.