Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway International Bridge on Thursday discovered cocaine valued at approximately $387,200 concealed within a Volkswagen.
On Tuesday, Nov. 9, CBP officers at the Gateway International Bridge stopped a male driving a white 2000 Volkswagen for a primary inspection. The driver, identified as a 37-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas, Mexico was referred to secondary for further inspection. Examination by CBP officers in secondary revealed five hidden packages concealed within the VW. CBP officers removed the packages from the vehicle which had a combined total weight of 12.1 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The alleged cocaine from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $387,200. CBP officers turned the man over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.
“Brownsville CBP officers’ vigilance contributed to this seizure of dangerous narcotics. I congratulate our officers for an outstanding job with this seizure and arrest,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, 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.
