U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Texas intercepted two separate cocaine shipments worth an estimated $400,034 in street value within two days.
Port Director Tater Ortiz emphasized the constant threat of drug smuggling and praised the officers’ vigilance: “These seizures highlight the seriousness of the narcotics threat… and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to robust enforcement.”
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The first seizure occurred on August 19th at the Veterans International Bridge in Brownsville. A 31-year-old Mexican citizen was stopped driving a 2006 International. With the help of a canine unit and an NII system, CBP officers found nine packages containing nearly 21 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle.
The second seizure took place the next day at the Gateway International Bridge. A 20-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2006 Ford was stopped, and officers discovered four packages containing approximately 9 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle.
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In both cases, the narcotics and vehicles were seized, and the drivers were arrested by Homeland Security Investigations special agents, who initiated criminal investigations.
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