Texas CBP Officers Seize More Than $3 Million in Narcotics in Three Major Busts

TEXAS—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $3 million in narcotics in three separate incidents over the weekend, intercepting large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine at ports of entry in Eagle Pass, Pharr, and Laredo.

The largest bust took place at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, where officers seized 141 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $1.29 million. Officers discovered the drugs hidden inside a 2016 Nissan Murano during a secondary inspection at the Camino Real International Bridge on Feb. 22. CBP’s nonintrusive inspection system and canine units were key in uncovering 64 packages concealed within the vehicle’s floor and center console. Both the vehicle and the narcotics were seized, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents launched a criminal investigation.

At the Pharr International Bridge, CBP officers intercepted $930,400 worth of cocaine hidden among a shipment of cucumbers and jalapeños. On the same day as the Eagle Pass seizure, officers used nonintrusive inspection equipment and canine teams to search a commercial tractor-trailer crossing from Mexico. The search revealed 28 packages of cocaine weighing 70.28 pounds concealed within the vehicle. The narcotics and vehicle were seized, and HSI began an investigation.

A third seizure took place at the Laredo Port of Entry on Feb. 23, where officers uncovered 65 pounds of cocaine valued at $872,777. The drugs were found in a 2001 Ford Explorer referred for secondary inspection at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. Officers arrested the driver, a 43-year-old U.S. citizen, and a 54-year-old Mexican citizen passenger. Both individuals face criminal charges as HSI continues the investigation.