Federal agents in Texas reported massive narcotics seizures and the arrest of an apparent repeat immigration violator who reportedly ran a drug rehab program.

1. METH MANGOES: $16M HAUL STUFFED IN FRUIT

On September 16, Donald R. Kusser, Director of Field Operations for Laredo, said on social media that Customs and Border Protection officers at the World Trade Bridge uncovered nearly 1,800 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a frozen mango shipment.

“Swipe … to see that was hidden in a frozen mangoes shipment. @cbpfieldops officers at World Trade Bridge soured a hard narcotics smuggling attempt, seizing 1,791.59 pounds of methamphetamine. #OFOProud #AlwaysVigilant,” Kusser wrote.

Photos posted with the announcement showed mangoes hollowed out and stuffed with cylindrical packets of drugs. The street value of the seizure was reported at $16 million.

2. HEROIN HANDOVER: CBP SAYS $557K FOUND IN MINIVAN

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its officers intercepted more than $557,000 in alleged heroin at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo on September 14.

According to a CBP release, officers referred a 63-year-old Mexican citizen driving a 2008 Chrysler Voyager for secondary inspection. The release said a canine team and nonintrusive inspection technology led to the discovery of 12 packages containing about 29 pounds of heroin concealed inside the vehicle.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DALLAS EXPRESS APP

“Our frontline CBP officers continue to apply their inspection skills together with the latest technology, and that combination yielded this significant hard narcotics interception,” said Port Director Alberto Flores. “Seizures like these exemplify our steadfast commitment to CBP’s border security mission.”

CBP said the heroin had an estimated street value of $557,237. The driver was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations agents, and a criminal probe was opened.

 

“CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry will stop at nothing to combat illicit drugs crossing our borders,” a concurrent social media post said.

3. REHAB BOSS COLLARED: ILLEGAL REENTRY RAP

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Dallas office said it arrested David Alcocer-Escamilla, a Mexican national deported three times before, who reportedly directed an Amarillo drug treatment center.

 

“ICE @ERODallas arrested David Alcocer Escamilla, a 3-time deported criminal alien from Mexico who has been convicted 3 times for drug offenses, 2 times for weapons offenses and illegal reentry; and one time for trespassing, obstruction of justice, and evading arrest,” the office posted on X on September 17.

Alcocer-Escamilla, listed as director of Now Ministries in Amarillo, was indicted this week in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on one count of illegal reentry after deportation, the local outlet KAMR/KCIT reported.

Court records reportedly showed he was previously convicted of the same charge in December 2021 and sentenced to three years in prison. Homeland Security Investigations agents said they encountered him on September 16 in north Amarillo, according to the criminal complaint cited by the outlet.

Texas Takedown Weekly is a recurring series from The Dallas Express chronicling the most significant immigration-related arrests and drug seizures across the state. To read last week’s edition, click Texas Takedown Weekly: ICE And Border Patrol Bust $2.2M In Cocaine, Arrest 822, Including Child Predators (September 12, 2025).