Thread: CBP Officers Find Cocaine Hidden in Mexican Charro Saddles

C.B.P. News Release

Hidalgo CBP Officers Find Cocaine Hidden in Mexican Charro Saddles
(Wednesday, September 02, 2009)

Hidalgo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Hidalgo/Reynosa International Bridge made an unusual discovery of close to 14 pounds of cocaine hidden within the saddle tree of two Mexican charro saddles. The estimated street value of the cocaine is close to $446,000.

On September 1, CBP officers working at the Hidalgo/Reynosa International Bridge came in contact with a northbound male traveler. The traveler arrived as a passenger in a Mexican registered taxi cab. At primary, the traveler declared two Mexican charro saddles. While examining the saddles, officers noticed discrepancies to the saddle tree of both saddles. As a result, the saddles were referred for a non-intrusive image scan. X-ray images revealed anomalies within the saddle trees.

While conducting an intensive examination of the saddles, officers found that the saddle trees had been hollowed out and filled with a total of 12 cocaine packages. The traveler, identified as J. Socorro Caballero, a U.S. citizen from Chicago was arrested on federal drug charges.

After his arrest, Caballero was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents who continue to investigate this failed smuggling attempt. Pending appearance before a U.S. Magistrate, Caballero remains incarcerated. CBP officers seized the cocaine and the two Mexican charro saddles.

Dave Fluty, acting CBP port director, Hidalgo/Pharr said, “This is the first of its kind where we find cocaine hidden in the saddle tree of two Mexican charro saddles.â€

WOW they stop at nothing don't they??