CBP Officers At The Hidalgo International Bridge Seize Cocaine Load Valued At $732,000; Two Arrested

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Hildago, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge Monday seized alleged cocaine valued at $732,413 during a routine vehicle examination that resulted in two arrests.

On September 19, CBP officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 2003 GMC Denali, its male driver and female passenger, both of them 42-year-old U.S. citizens from Austin. A CBP officer referred the passengers and vehicle to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers discovered 14 packages containing a total of nearly 23 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $732,413. CBP officers seized the alleged narcotics and the vehicle.

The driver and passenger were transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement –Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

“Our officers maintained their vigilance and utilized their training and experience in seizing this load of alleged cocaine. I commend them for their continued work to keep our communities and borders secure,” said Efrain Solis, CBP Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr.

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.