Monday, May 14, 2012

CBP Officers Seize $1.2 Million in Cocaine, Meth at Brownsville Port of Entry


Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry on Thursday discovered cocaine and methamphetamine valued at more than $1.2 million in two seizures at two different international bridges in separate, unrelated enforcement actions.

CBP officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge encountered a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a 24-year-old male Mexico citizen and resident of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. CBP officers discovered 14 packages hidden within the Chevrolet. CBP officers removed the packages containing approximately 31.6 pounds of cocaine.

The second case occurred at Gateway International Bridge when CBP officers came in contact with a male United States citizen as he arrived at the port of entry as the driver of a black 2003 Volkswagen Jetta. The man, identified as a 47-year-old resident of Austin, Texas, was selected and referred for inspection. CBP officers discovered 48 packages hidden within the Jetta. CBP officers removed the packages which held a combined total weight of 14.10 pounds of methamphetamine.

The cocaine from the first seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $1,011,200 and the methamphetamine seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $211,500. CBP officers turned the drivers over to U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicles.

“Brownsville CBP officers have prevented two dangerous narcotic loads from being introduced into the country. Our CBP officers have intercepted these drugs just 12 hours apart at two of Brownsville’s border crossings. This is outstanding work on the frontline by CBP officers. I congratulate our officers for these seizures and the arrest of the drivers,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville Port of Entry.

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.

No comments: