U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo and Anzalduas International Bridges seized $280,420 worth of cocaine in two separate, unrelated incidents.
“These interceptions of hard narcotics are a continued reflection of the small load concept CBP officers encounter at our international bridges,” said Port Director Sylvia Briones, Hidalgo/ Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Our officers’ outstanding perseverance and dedication is unwavering.”
The first seizure occurred on April 16 at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge after a CBP officer referred a white 2002 Nissan Sentra driven by a 34-year-old woman from Mexico for a secondary examination. Officers conducting the secondary inspection discovered 12 packages weighing 31.43 pounds (14.26 kg) of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle. CBP OFO seized the vehicle and the cocaine, which has a street value of $242,420.
Later that same day, at the Anzalduas International Bridge, a CBP officer referred a 40-year-old woman from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and the red 2007 Saturn Aura she was driving for further inspection. The secondary examination resulted in the discovery of two packages of alleged cocaine weighing 4.9 pounds (2.24 kg). These narcotics are valued at $38,000.
CBP OFO seized all the narcotics, both vehicles and arrested the two women involved in the failed drug smuggling attempts. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents took custody of the females and the cases continue under their investigation.
For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.
