Big haul over at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers got their hands on over $956,000 worth of cocaine this past weekend. The substantial find consisted of 31 bundles stashed away in a tractor-trailer, totaling up to 69.44 pounds of the powdery substance. These officers, guided by their trained canines and using advanced nonintrusive inspection systems, brought to light the hidden narcotics, as reported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Heading the operation, Port Director Rogelio Olivares stressed the skills and tools at the disposal of the CBP officers. "This seizure illustrates the effective combination of CBP officer skill, experience and the utilization of all tools and resources, including our canines to zero in on hidden narcotics," Olivares relayed, praising the team's prowess, as noted by the CBP.
The incident occurred on May 16 at the Rio Grande City International Bridge. Acting on professional judgment and experience, a CBP officer directed the truck in question to a secondary inspection area. A comprehensive search followed, led by the seasoned officer and supported by advanced technology and trained canine units. During the inspection, officers discovered multiple packets of cocaine concealed within the vehicle’s structure—an attempt at smuggling that ultimately failed in the face of the officers’ thorough and methodical search.
A sizeable street value was attached to the drugs seized, reaching upwards of $956,070. It was a major punch to the trafficking operations that eye our borders as lucrative gateways for their illicit trade. After discovering the drugs, the officers handed the narcotics, along with the tractor and trailer, to the Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers. The driver, who was transporting the load across the border, was arrested as a criminal investigation began, looking into the network behind the failed smuggling attempt.
