C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers at the Pharr International Bridge Seize 22 Pounds Methamphetamine, 12 Pounds Cocaine

(Tuesday, October 25, 2011)

Hidalgo, Texas— U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge seized approximately 22.27 pounds of methamphetamine and 11.94 pounds of cocaine in two separate, unrelated narcotic seizures. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine is $334,000 and $382,000 for the cocaine.

On Oct. 21, CBP officers working at the Pharr International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 2010 Volkswagon Leon driven by a Mexican national, age 21, from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle and female driver for further inspection. Officers seized 10 packages of methamphetamine that were found hidden within a compartment in the center console area.

Later during the same day, CBP officers at the same border crossing referred a 1999 Mercury Sable and its two female occupants for further inspection. One female was identified as a United States citizen, age 29, from McAllen, and the other as a Mexican national, age 38, from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. In the U.S. citizen’s purse, CBP officers found and seized two packages of cocaine and in the other female’s purse, three packages were found.

CBP officers seized the two vehicles and transferred the three women to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigation for further investigation.

Efrain Solis Jr., Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr Port of Entry said, “Our frontline CBP officers remained vigilant this weekend and that vigilance resulted in two significant narcotic seizures. Intercepting these types of narcotics is part of CBP’s ongoing effort to help keep our borders safe and secure.â€