PHARR, TEXAS — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly 100 pounds of suspected cocaine worth more than $1.1 million after discovering 32 packages concealed within the floor of a commercial tractor-trailer that was declared empty at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility on April 15.
The trailer was crossing into the United States from Reynosa, Mexico, when CBP officers flagged it for secondary inspection using nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. A physical inspection of the trailer floor revealed 32 packages of suspected cocaine with a combined weight of more than 83 pounds. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is $1,111,503.
Officers seized the narcotics, tractor, and trailer. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure.
Acting CBP Deputy Commissioner Ron Vitiello said an “effective combination of technological tools and inspections experience” ensured “these narcotics will not enter the U.S. and wreak any further havoc on our communities.”
CBP reported that nationwide in March, agents seized more than 65,000 pounds of drugs, including 613 pounds of fentanyl.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
