CBP Officers Seize Over $1.9 Million in Cocaine at Hidalgo Port

Hidalgo, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo port of entry on Friday seized cocaine valued at approximately $1,904,640 during a routine vehicle inspection of a passenger vehicle. 

On March 1, at Hidalgo International Bridge a CBP officer came in contact with a 2003 Honda Accord driven by a man identified as a 19-year-old United States citizen from Edinburg, Texas. A primary inspection of the Accord by CBP officers resulted in the vehicle and its sole occupant being referred to CBP secondary for further examination. During the secondary examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the vehicle’s tires. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination and discovered 24 packages containing a total of 27 kilograms (59.52 pounds) of alleged cocaine hidden in the Honda’s tires. The cocaine from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $1,904,640.

CBP officers turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.

“A well-trained presence at the border has once again proven beneficial in the protection of our nation’s borders. This load of alleged cocaine was discovered by Hidalgo CBP officers working on frontline. I applaud our officers for the work they do on a daily basis; and for keeping our country safe from these dangerous drugs,” said Efrain Solis, port director, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas port of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.