U.S. Customs and Border Protection received assistance from Homeland Security Investigations in McAllen after a local man detained with nearly 20 pounds of cocaine in his vehicle Thursday was accompanied by a female minor, according to a criminal complaint.
Victor Manuel Avila, a United States citizen, attempted to enter the country with approximately 18.8 pounds of cocaine hidden within the floor of his vehicle and was detained at the Hidalgo Port of Entry.
According to the complaint, Avila gave a negative oral declaration for alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc. when his vehicle was referred to secondary inspection for an intensive examination.
That was when an X-ray displayed anomalies in the floor of the vehicle.
A physical search of the vehicle revealed eight cellophane-wrapped packages which resulted in a presumptive positive test for cocaine after a field test was conducted.
The complaint says Avila provided several and admittedly false statements before he told authorities that he was hired by an unknown person in Mexico to transport cocaine into the U.S.
Avila is currently being held without bond pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for July 13.
