U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercept two major cocaine shipments at South Texas bridges and more than 8,500 fake designer perfumes at a Florida seaport — all in one week.
It was a significant week for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with officers at South Texas ports of entry and a Florida seaport intercepting millions of dollars in narcotics and counterfeit goods before they could reach American communities.
$1.1 Million in Cocaine Found in Trailer Floor at Pharr International Bridge
On April 15, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility stopped a commercial tractor-trailer arriving from Reynosa, Mexico, hauling what appeared to be an empty trailer. The vehicle was referred to a secondary inspection dock where nonintrusive imaging equipment and a canine team flagged the load for a closer look.
Physical inspection revealed 32 packages of suspected cocaine concealed within the floor of the trailer, totaling 83.24 pounds. The street value of the cocaine is estimated at $1,111,503. CBP officers seized the narcotics, the tractor, and the trailer. Homeland Security Investigations special agents launched a criminal investigation.
“Under the powerful leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, our frontline CBP officers utilized an effective combination of technological tools and inspections experience to zero-in on and interdict this significant cocaine load,” said CBP Acting Deputy Commissioner Ron Vitello. “These narcotics will not enter the U.S. and wreak any further havoc on our communities.”
$1 Million in Cocaine Hidden Inside Passenger Bus at Hidalgo International Bridge
On April 11, CBP officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry referred a commercial passenger bus to secondary inspection. A canine team and nonintrusive imaging equipment flagged the vehicle, and officers discovered 36 packages of suspected cocaine hidden inside the seats of the bus. The total weight was 78 pounds, with an estimated street value of $1,042,034.
CBP seized the narcotics and the bus. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are conducting a criminal investigation into the seizure.
“This hard narcotics seizure exemplifies CBP’s steadfast effort to keep our borders secure,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo Port of Entry. “This poison will not enter our streets thanks to the enforcement focus of our frontline officers.”
Combined, the two South Texas seizures this week removed more than $2.1 million in cocaine from the pipeline before it could reach American streets.
8,500 Counterfeit Designer Perfumes Seized at Port Everglades, Florida
At Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, CBP officers seized 8,500 units of counterfeit designer perfumes — including fake versions of Gucci, Burberry, Armani, and Lancome — that would have carried a retail value of more than $1 million had they been genuine.
Officers initially flagged the shipment on February 10 after it arrived from Singapore, destined for a Miami address. Following confirmation from CBP’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Branch, the goods were officially seized on April 2 as counterfeits. The appraised manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the seized goods was $1,010,940.
“This significant seizure highlights the diligent work of CBP officers at Port Everglades in protecting consumers and safeguarding our nation’s economic security,” said Acting Port Director John Rico. “Counterfeit goods not only undermine legitimate businesses and the U.S. economy but can also pose potentially serious health and safety risks to consumers.”
Counterfeit goods are manufactured using substandard materials, may be produced using forced labor, and fund transnational criminal organizations. In fiscal year 2025, CBP seized more than 78 million counterfeit goods with a combined estimated retail value exceeding $7.3 billion.
Consumers are encouraged to purchase products from reputable retailers. For more information on the dangers of counterfeit goods, visit CBP’s Fake Goods Real Dangers webpage at cbp.gov.
