ROMA, Texas – A routine inspection at the Texas-Mexico border uncovered a major drug smuggling attempt involving a shipment of soft drinks, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials announced.
Drug Bust at the Border
On January 31, officers at the Roma International Bridge selected a tractor-trailer carrying a commercial load of soft drinks for further inspection.
During the examination, officers discovered 50 packages of cocaine hidden within the cargo. The narcotics weighed approximately 120.15 pounds (54.5 kg) and had an estimated street value of $1,604,262.
Driver Arrested, Investigation Ongoing
Following the discovery, CBP officers turned over the truck, the narcotics, and the driver to the Roma Police Department for further investigation. The driver was taken into custody, though officials have not yet released their identity or potential charges.
CBP’s Response
Port Director Andres Guerra praised the officers’ vigilance, stating, “Our CBP officers continue to remain alert in the cargo environment, and their effective use of experience and technology led to the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics.”
This seizure is part of an ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking along the southern border. According to CBP data, approximately 9,400 pounds of cocaine have been confiscated since the beginning of the fiscal year in October 2024.
Roma, located approximately 230 miles south of San Antonio, is a key transit point along the Texas-Mexico border, where CBP officials routinely intercept illicit drug shipments. The investigation into this latest seizure remains ongoing.
