Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $846K Worth of Narcotics in Two Seizures

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

BROWNSVILLE — (News Release) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged narcotics in two separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $846,030.

“Our officers used their experience and skills in carrying out these significant drug seizures as they continue to keep our borders secure,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

The first seizure took place on Thursday, March 24, at the Los Indios International Bridge when a 28-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Tomball, Texas, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2010 Honda. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive imaging system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 14 packages hidden within the vehicle.  CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 35.22 pounds of alleged methamphetamine.

The second seizure also took place on Thursday, March 24, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when an 18-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Port Arthur, Texas, applied for entry into the United States driving a 2014 Volkswagen.  The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  In secondary, with the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered eight packages hidden within the 2014 Volkswagen.  CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 18.34 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $704,590, and $141,440 respectively.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the travelers and turned them over to the custody of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents respectively for further investigation.