PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted approximately 208 pounds of suspected cocaine — with an estimated street value of $2,781,000 — concealed inside a commercial shipment that had been manifested as bottled beverages, according to the agency.
According to CBP, the seizure took place July 15, when officers encountered a tractor trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico. Officers referred the vehicle to secondary inspection, where nonintrusive inspection technology identified anomalies within the trailer, the agency said. A physical inspection followed and led to the discovery of 79 packages of suspected cocaine with a combined weight of 208.33 pounds — approximately 94.5 kilograms — hidden within the trailer, according to CBP.
CBP said officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents opened a criminal investigation, the agency said.
“This successful interception highlights the effectiveness of our layered enforcement strategy. Through the combination of advanced technology, and the keen instincts of our frontline personnel, we continue to identify and dismantle smuggling attempts,” Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry said in a statement.
CBP said the seizure was carried out as part of the agency’s ongoing enforcement efforts along the southwest border. The agency added that under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, DHS and CBP have worked to stop illicit narcotics from entering U.S. communities.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity at ports of entry can report it to CBP by calling 1-800-635-2509.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
