CBP Officers Seize Nearly $1.4 Million in Heroin at Brownsville

Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Veterans’ International Bridge on Friday discovered heroin valued at approximately $1,385,000 concealed within luggage contained in a Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by a Brownsville, Texas, resident.

On Jan. 28, CBP officers at the Veterans’ International Bridge encountered a female driving a red 2001 PT Cruiser into the U.S. during primary inspection. The driver, identified as a 31-year-old female U.S. citizen who resides in Brownsville, was referred to secondary for further inspection after a primary CBP officer’s checks of the contents of baggage contained within the vehicle. CPB officers in secondary discovered a total of 6.28 kilograms (13.85 pounds) of alleged heroin.

The alleged heroin from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $1,385,000. CBP officers turned the woman over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.

“A primary CBP officer’s inspection was instrumental in the discovery of these dangerous narcotics. I congratulate Brownsville’s CBP officers for an outstanding seizure and arrest, and for stopping these drugs from entering our country,” said Michael Freeman, CBP port director in Brownsville.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.