BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged cocaine in two separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $1,432,355. 

“Our CBP officers work diligently to keep our borders secure and use many law enforcement tools to perform their duties which led to these significant drug seizures,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

The first seizure took place on Friday, Jan. 24, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 22-year-old female United States citizen who resides in McAllen, Texas, attempted entry into the United States in a 2008 Toyota. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, with the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 40 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 91.44 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The second seizure also took place on Friday, Jan. 24, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 27-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, attempted entry into the United States in a 2014 Chevrolet. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, with the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system (NII), CBP officers discovered one package hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 15.82 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $1,221,005, and $211,350, respectively. 

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents arrested the drivers and initiated criminal investigations. 

Follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on X at @DFOLaredo on Instagram at @dfolaredo and also U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPSouthTexas for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.