Officials at the Hidalgo Port of Entry seized over $4.2 million worth of mixed drugs, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. This bust demonstrates the importance of vigilance and technology in tackling drug smuggling at the U.S.-Mexico border.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, on Friday last week, a 2013 Chrysler van approached the International Bridge in Hidalgo, Texas. A CBP officer, suspecting something unusual, directed the vehicle for a secondary inspection. This routine procedure led to the discovery of a large amount of illicit substances.
In a detailed breakdown of the seizure reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the layers of the van yielded 30 packages containing an estimated 442 pounds of methamphetamine and two packages adding up to nearly 18 pounds of heroin.
“This is a high-value, combination load of narcotics and this interception reflects our CBP officers effective use of inspections experience, training and technology to successfully zero-in on this seizure and prevent this poison from reaching our streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection official release. CBP's canine teams and non-intrusive inspection systems were key in finding the drugs hidden in compartments within the vehicle.
Following protocol, the narcotics and vehicle were seized, and the driver was handed over to the High-Intensity Drug Task Force (HIDTA) agents.
