CBP seizes more than $2.7M in cocaine at bridge

PHARR — There was a seizure worth more than $2,781,000 in alleged cocaine here recently at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility.

According to a release last week by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers at the bridge found the alleged narcotics in a shipment that was manifested as bottled beverages.

Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said that the organization’s “layered enforcement strategy” was effective in finding the alleged drugs.

“This successful interception highlights the effectiveness of our layered enforcement strategy,” Rodriguez said. “Through the combination of advanced technology, and the keen instincts of our frontline personnel, we continue to identify and dismantle smuggling attempts.”

Earlier in the month (July 15), CBP officers at the bridge encountered a tractor trailer that was traveling from Reynosa, Mexico into the region. The vehicle was referred to further examination since the non-intrusive inspection showed “anomalies” within the trailer.

The CBP release said that a physical inspection of the trailer resulted in the extraction of 79 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 208.33 pounds.

Homeland Security Investigation Special Agents are conducting a criminal investigation.