In a substantial bust at the Hidalgo Port of Entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a trove of narcotics, with an estimated street value exceeding $4 million.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that on Friday last week, officers at the Pharr cargo facility flagged a tractor-trailer for further inspection. "This significant cocaine seizure underscores the reality of the drug threat our officers face every day," said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez. During the secondary inspection, officers discovered 119 packages that tested positive for cocaine, totaling nearly 300 pounds.
The narcotics were concealed within the conveyance of the trailer, a method often used to bypass the watchful eyes of law enforcement. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the drugs carried an estimated street value of $4,003,296.
Following the discovery, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized the narcotics along with the tractor and trailer. Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal investigation to combat drug trafficking. No additional details about suspects or arrests have been released, but the seizure supports the ongoing efforts to secure the border.
