U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Nearly $1.3 Million in Alleged Heroin at the Progreso Port of Entry

Progreso, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Progreso International Bridge on Friday discovered alleged heroin valued at approximately $1,290,000 concealed within belongings being brought into the country by a Guatemalan citizen.

On Friday, Aug. 17, CBP officers at the Progreso International Bridge encountered a man identified as a 46-year-old male citizen of Guatemala and who resides in Dallas, Texas. The pedestrian was referred to secondary for further inspection where CBP officers discovered 13 packages hidden within backpacks and shoes carried by the traveler. The 13 packages contained approximately 5.84 kilograms (12.9 pounds) of alleged heroin.

The alleged heroin from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $1,290,000. CBP officers seized the narcotics and turned the man over to U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.

“A vigilant, multi-layered CBP enforcement posture has proven effective and resulted in the interception of these dangerous narcotics and the arrest of the alleged smuggler. I congratulate our officers for this exceptional seizure and arrest,” said Carlos Rodriguez, CBP port director, Progreso/Donna.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.