In a bust that underscores the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry intercepted a significant amount of cocaine worth over $472,000. The seizure took place at the Camino Real International Bridge cargo facility, where a tractor trailer carrying a ceramic brick shipment was stopped for further inspection.

Following a nonintrusive scan and a canine team's alert, officers found 16 packages of the illicit drug, weighing a total of 35.4 pounds, cleverly hidden within the vehicle. While hauling a shipment of ceramic brick, the discovery was made by CBP officers, who performed a closer physical inspection that revealed the substances alleged to be cocaine with a street value totaling approximately $472,742, as reported by CBP officials.

Pete Beattie, the Port Director for the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, praised the officers' vigilance and stated, "This small but significant cocaine seizure reflects the dedication of our frontline CBP officers to the border security mission and the effective utilization of experience training and technology." Beattie underscored the importance of supply chain security standards which are pivotal for participants in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program. Following the incident, the driver involved in the smuggling attempt was expelled from the program.

In response to the smuggling attempt, all contraband along with the tractor trailer were seized by CBP OFO, and the driver’s FAST card was revoked. For attempting to smuggle the cocaine, the driver’s entry document was also canceled and the individual was sent back to Mexico. Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations have since taken the helm of the criminal investigation, looking to unravel any underlying networks connected to this interception.