Over half a million dollars in cocaine was intercepted this past weekend at the Pharr International Bridge. The CBP officers, during a detailed inspection, discovered and seized narcotics with a street value amounting to approximately $503,000. The bust marks a significant win for the agency's ongoing battle against illegal narcotics trafficking, as reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The incident unfolded on Sept. 13 when a tractor trailer, ostensibly carrying a shipment of avocados, was subjected to a meticulous secondary inspection by CBP officers. In a statement obtained by CBP, Port Director Carlos Rodriguez commended his team: "Our frontline officers continue to exercise extraordinary vigilance in the cargo environment, utilize the latest technology and that combination yielded this cocaine seizure," which led to the discovery of 37.69 pounds of cocaine, cunningly hidden within the vehicle. Rodriguez further extolled the synergy of technology and canine units in contributing to this successful seizure.
During their thorough inspection process, CBP officers utilized a non-intrusive inspection system and CBP canines, which aided in uncovering the illegal drugs. The contraband was found in 16 packages cleverly hidden within the trailer. After the discovery, both the narcotics and the tractor trailer used in the attempt were seized. Subsequently, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents promptly initiated an investigation into the case.
