CBP Officers Seize Over $1.8 Million in Narcotics in South Texas Operations

BROWNSVILLE, PHARR, and LAREDO, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted over $1.8 million worth of narcotics in three separate seizures at international ports of entry in South Texas.

The largest bust occurred at the Pharr International Bridge on January 14, where officers discovered 74 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a tractor-trailer. The street value of the cocaine was estimated at $987,872. 

On January 15, officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge seized over nine pounds of heroin, valued at $158,145. The narcotics were found in a Chevrolet vehicle following a referral for secondary inspection. A canine unit and non-intrusive inspection systems played critical roles in detecting the drugs. 

The same day, CBP officers at the Laredo Port of Entry confiscated 54 pounds of cocaine worth $721,000 from a Ford Explorer. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was arrested, and the drugs were seized during a secondary inspection. 

All narcotics and vehicles involved in the seizures were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations agents have initiated criminal investigations.