C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers Seize $835,000 in Cocaine at Hidalgo Port of Entry

(Friday, December 02, 2011)

Hidalgo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry on Wednesday seized cocaine valued at $835,000 during a routine vehicle examination.

The seizure occurred on Nov. 30, 2011 at Hidalgo International Bridge. A CBP officer referred a 2006 Chevy Equinox driven by a 28-year-old Mexican citizen from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the vehicle floor. An intensive examination of the area yielded 10 packages containing a total of 26 pounds of alleged cocaine. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $835,000.

CBP officers turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the alleged narcotics and the vehicle.

“This seizure is an excellent example of the effective use of solid inspections skills and technology to secure our community,â€