CBP seize cocaine worth over $768K in two separate incidents

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry seized alleged narcotics in two separate incidents.

According to CPB, the combined estimated street value of the drugs is $768,867. 

“Our CBP officers are relentless in their efforts to keep our borders secure, and their diligence led to these significant drug seizures,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

The first seizure took place on Tuesday at the Gateway International Bridge. A 37-year-old man United States citizen who lives in Brownsville attempted entry into the United States in a 2010 Nissan. The car was referred to a secondary inspection for further examination. With the aid of a K-9 unit and a non-intrusive inspection system, CBP officers discovered nine packages hidden inside the vehicle. Officers removed the packages which contained a total of 21.95 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The second seizure took place on Thursday at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge. A 28-year-old man who lives in Baytown, Texas, attempted entry into the United States in a 2006 Hummer. His vehicle was referred to a secondary inspection. With the aid of a K-9 unit and a non-intrusive inspection system, officers discovered 15 packages hidden inside the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 35.62 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $293,182, and $475,685 respectively. 

CBP officers confiscated the drugs and the vehicles.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the drivers and initiated criminal investigations.