BROWNSVILLE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry seized at least two loads of alleged narcotics so far this month.
According to authorities, CBP officers discovered the drugs — which carried a combined street value of approximately $230,520 — hidden within the two vehicles.
The first seizure took place Thursday at Gateway International Bridge when officers working primary inspection came across a Brownsville resident trying to cross the border driving a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, authorities said.
The 21-year-old man was referred to CBP secondary inspection for further examination.
CBP officers working in secondary discovered five packages hidden within the Volkswagen Jetta, authorities said.
The officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 12.74 pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $98,260, authorities said.
The second seizure took place Sunday at the B&M International Bridge, when officers working primary inspection came upon a man trying to cross the border in a 2000 Ford Sport Trac, officials said.
The 39-year-old Mexican National was referred to CBP secondary for further examination.
During a secondary inspection, the officers discovered seven packages hidden within the red Sport Trac.
The officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 17.15 pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $132,260, officials said.
The combined estimated street value of the narcotics from these seizures is approximately $230,520.
“We continue with our mission of securing our borders; these seizures are the result of that dedication,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry.
“I congratulate our officers for their diligence in performing their duties which have prevented these dangerous narcotics from entering our country.”
Both drivers were arrested and the drugs were seized.
The drivers were turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
