HSI: Woman had 32lbs of cocaine in hidden compartment of car

ROM, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman was arrested after she was caught with more than 32 pounds of cocaine in a hidden compartment in her car, federal authorities allege.

Marilu Castro, who was born in 2003, was arrested on a charge of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, records show.

On May 10, Homeland Security Investigators were informed that Castro attempted to enter the U.S. through the Falcon Dam Port of Entry in a grey Ford Fusion. According to a criminal complaint, she was referred for a secondary inspection after "inconsistencies" were seen in the trunk area of the car.

During the inspection, authorities found a non-factory wall between the rear seat and the trunk. After drilling into the back seat, they found a white powdery substance. In total, authorities extracted 13 bundles that were hidden within the compartments of the vehicle, the complaint stated. The bundles, which tested positive for cocaine, weighed a total of 32.6 pounds.

Special agents spoke with Castro, who at first said she traveled to Mexico to visit family and was returning to her home in Arlington. After agents searched her phone, Castro changed her story and said the traveled to Mexico to complete a paid trip, and that she knew drugs were hidden within the vehicle, the document stated.

Castro told agents this was the seventh trip she had made, and that she was paid between $3,000 and $4,000 per trip.