CBP Seizes $1 Worth Of Cocaine At Texas Border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized over $1 million worth of cocaine at a Texas port of entry, officials said.

The incident took place last Saturday at the Hidalgo Port of Entry after a vehicle was referred for secondary inspection, the agency detailed.

“A canine inspection resulted in an alert and a nonintrusive imaging system scan revealed anomalies within the vehicle,” the agency noted. It added that, “upon closer physical examination,” officers discovered 30 packages containing almost 77 pounds of alleged cocaine.

“This substantial cocaine seizure reflects the strong dedication of our officers to safeguarding the border, as well as their skillful use of experience and technology,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez. The drugs and the car were seized, and Homeland Security Investigation began a criminal investigation into the matter.

Last week CBP agents arrested a man as he attempted to smuggle over 130 grams of fentanyl inside a body cavity, the agency said.

In a news release, CBP detailed that the incident took place at the Bridge of the Americas, in Texas, after midnight. Then, the 56-year-old man presented himself for infection at the bridge’s pedestrian area, and a drug-sniffing dog alerted of the presence of narcotics after inspecting the man.

The man was later taken to a medical facility where it was confirmed that he was concealing drugs in a body cavity. About an hour and a half later, the man passed two bundles wrapped in condoms, the agency added. He was arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations to face charges associated to the episode.

“Smuggling fentanyl internally is exceptionally dangerous, and we would advise anyone considering this to think twice and not risk their life or liberty,” said El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio.