U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers just made a massive drug bust at the Hidalgo Port of Entry, stopping over $1 million worth of cocaine from slipping into the country, according to a press release.
The bust went down on July 26 at the Hidalgo International Bridge, when CBP officers flagged a 2020 Renault Oroch for further inspection. What started as a routine stop quickly escalated into a full-blown narcotics seizure after a canine unit alerted to the vehicle.
A closer look using a nonintrusive imaging system scan revealed suspicious anomalies within the car. That’s when officers went hands-on. The result? A total of 30 tightly wrapped packages containing 34.90 kilograms (76.94 pounds) of alleged cocaine stashed inside the vehicle.
Officials say the narcotics carry an estimated street value of $1,027,316.
“This substantial cocaine seizure reflects the strong dedication of our officers to safeguarding the border, as well as their skillful use of experience and technology,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry.
CBP confirmed that the narcotics and vehicle have been seized. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents have launched a criminal investigation into the smuggling operation.
The bust comes after CBP officers also seized over $1 million in illicit drugs at the border on April 25 at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility, a key commercial crossing point between Mexico and the U.S. Officers encountered a tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico and referred it for secondary inspection.
Using nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team, officers conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. Their instincts paid off. A physical inspection led to the discovery of 30 packages of alleged cocaine, expertly concealed within the trailer. The total weight? A staggering 76.19 pounds (34.56 kilograms) of cocaine.
CBP quickly seized both the narcotics and the commercial tractor trailer, preventing the drugs from ever reaching U.S. streets. The agency confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has now opened a criminal investigation into the attempted smuggling operation.
