Two U.S. citizens were arrested in separate methamphetamine drug trafficking incidents in South Texas over the past week.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized methamphetamine worth more than $1 million at the Roma Port of Entry, arresting a 22-year-old male U.S. citizen.
The interception happened on March 8 at the Roma International Bridge. A CBP officer sent a 2013 Ford Explorer for secondary inspection. Officers used a non-intrusive scan and physical exam to find 53 packages holding 121.34 pounds of the drug inside the vehicle, according to details from CBP.
The methamphetamine carries an estimated street value of $1,084,728. CBP took possession of the narcotics and the vehicle.
“This seizure illustrates the ability of our frontline officers to apply training, inspection experience and technology to zero in on and take down a significant drug load,” Port Director Andres Guerra at the Roma Port of Entry said in a news release. “The dedication of our officers to CBP’s border security mission helps protect our communities by preventing drugs like these from reaching U.S. streets.”
Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver, who was not publicly identified. The case remains under criminal investigation.
Last week, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers seized 1,980 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a commercial truck during a traffic stop as part of Operation Lone Star. The drugs were being transported to Dallas and had an estimated street value of $3.4 million.
The stop occurred just after 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, on U.S. 281 near the community of George West in South Texas. A trooper pulled over a blue 2020 Kenworth truck tractor semi-trailer for a traffic violation and spotted signs of possible criminal activity.
A Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit responded and alerted to the trailer. That led the trooper and DPS Criminal Investigations Division agents to search the vehicle and find 479 bundles of methamphetamine wrapped in black tape inside a false floor compartment beneath the trailer.
The driver, 32-year-old Diego Mendez of Alton, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance over 400 grams, a first-degree felony. He was booked into the Live Oak County Jail.
