Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Roma International Bridge seized a hefty stash of narcotics hidden within a commercial shipment. According to FOX 7 Austin, the seizure, valued around $1.6 million, included approximately 120 pounds of cocaine. The discovery was made on January 31st when a tractor trailer entering from Mexico, carrying soft drinks, was selected for a routine check at the Texas border point.
The detailed inspection process employed by CBP officers led to the reveal of 50 packages of alleged cocaine, all skillfully concealed amidst the beverage cargo. Utilizing both canine teams and non-intrusive inspection equipment, officers managed to find the narcotics which carried an estimated street value of $1,604,262. On this incident, Port Director Andres Guerra remarked, "Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant in the cargo environment and their effective utilization of officer experience and technological tools and resources yielded the seizure of a significant amount of narcotics," echoing a sentiment shared by the broader law enforcement community regarding the importance of thorough border inspections.
The CBP handed over the seized substances, along with the vehicle and its driver, to the Roma Police Department. Subsequently, the driver was arrested and currently, a criminal investigation is in progress. Further details about the identity of the driver and the specific charges being levied have not yet been released to the public. This interdiction serves as another example of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border, a contentious zone that sees numerous attempts at smuggling contraband each year.
Both U.S. Customs and Border Protection and FOX 7 Austin highlight the success of the officers’ persistent efforts. These operations underscore the CBP’s commitment to stymie the flow of illegal narcotics into the country. The drugs were intercepted roughly 230 miles south of San Antonio, further demonstrating the reach and vigilance of border patrol operations, and the continuous challenges faced at these transit points.
