Federal authorities said U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted more than $600,000 worth of suspected cocaine concealed inside a minivan at the Hidalgo International Bridge earlier this month.
The seizure occurred on May 1, when a CBP officer referred a Chrysler Pacifica for secondary inspection after a K-9 alerted on the vehicle. Authorities identified the male driver as a 48-year-old Mexican citizen.
According to CBP, officers used a nonintrusive imaging system to scan the minivan and discovered 18 concealed packages inside. The packages contained 45.23 pounds, or 20.52 kilograms, of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $604,026.
“This seizure reflects our officers’ steadfast commitment to the border security mission and reflects the effective use of technology and inspection skill,” Hidalgo Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said in a statement on Thursday. “Enforcement actions like these prevent narcotics from infiltrating our communities and inflicting addiction, pain, and death.”
Authorities said the narcotics and vehicle were seized at the scene. Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested the driver and opened a criminal investigation into the suspected smuggling attempt.
Federal officials said the seizure was part of ongoing border security and narcotics enforcement efforts led by the Department of Homeland Security and CBP.
