Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in South Texas made two major busts this week, seizing over $600,000 in cocaine and arresting a fugitive wanted for raping a child.
At the Hidalgo International Bridge, CBP officers stopped a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu entering the U.S. from Mexico. Once officers flagged the vehicle for further inspection, they utilized advanced scanning equipment and a canine unit, which led to the discovery of a collection of hidden packages.
A deeper physical search uncovered 20 packages of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle’s engine hull. The drugs weighed nearly 48 pounds and had an estimated street value of $639,938, according to the CBP.
The cocaine and the car were both immediately seized, and the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested the driver. No further information is available on this week’s cocaine bust, other than the fact that the criminal investigation is still underway.
“This drug seizure is a direct result of our officers’ vigilance and unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. Their dedication plays a vital role in keeping dangerous substances off our streets and ensuring public safety,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
In another unconnected case this week, at the Progreso Port of Entry, CBP officers arrested 22-year-old Arnoldo Jaramillo, an American citizen wanted in New Mexico for the rape of a child.
Jaramillo was flagged during a secondary inspection at the Donna International Bridge port. Biometric verification through national law enforcement databases confirmed an active felony warrant issued by the Carlsbad Police Department for Jaramilla, and he was then taken into custody on site.
“Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain resolute vigilance in screening arriving travelers and that mission dedication yielded the apprehension of a man wanted in connection with a sex crime involving a child,” said Port Director Michael Martinez.
Jaramillo was handed over to the Donna Police Department and transported to jail for an upcoming trial, which has not been publicly scheduled as of the time of publication.
“These types of apprehensions perfectly illustrate the law enforcement work undertaken by our officers in securing our borders and keeping our communities safe,” Martinez added.