CBP finds nearly 75 pounds of cocaine, 2 arrested

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Hidalgo Port of Entry (Courtesy: CBP)

Two men are under arrest after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers noticed drug packaging coming out of the left quarter panel area of the trunk in a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox.

Further investigation by CBP resulted in the discovery of nearly 75 pounds of cocaine, which landed Juan Rosales-Hernandez, born in 1991, and David Ibarra-Ibarra, born in 1986, in federal custody for drug smuggling.

The incident happened at the Hidalgo port of entry on Wednesday.

In addition to observing drug packaging coming out of the rear quarter panel, CBP also conducted an X-ray which showed anomalies in the vehicle.

An inspection revealed 29 bundles of cocaine hidden within the roof and rear quarter panel, according to a criminal complaint.

That document said both men knew they were smuggling drugs and expected to be paid.

The suspects made an initial appearance Thursday morning in federal court in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker, who ordered them temporarily held without bond pending further court proceedings.