U.S. Seizes $660K in Cocaine, Meth from Drug Smugglers at Texas Border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seize over $660,000 in narcotics from two separate smuggling attempts at the Del Rio, Texas border.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently thwarted two separate drug smuggling attempts at the Del Rio, Texas, Port of Entry, seizing over $660,000 in narcotics. The seizures mark a significant success in the ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border.
First Smuggling Attempt: Cocaine Seizure
On October 8, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen attempted to enter the country from Mexico driving a 2013 GMC Acadia. During a secondary inspection at the Del Rio International Bridge, CBP officers used non-intrusive technology to detect 16 packages of suspected contraband hidden in the vehicle.
Upon further inspection, the packages were found to contain 23.68 pounds of a substance believed to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of $316,142. The case was referred to ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), resulting in the arrest of the driver.
Second Smuggling Attempt: Methamphetamine Seizure
Just days later, on October 12, another U.S. citizen attempted to smuggle drugs into the country by driving a 2005 Ford Expedition. During a secondary inspection, officers discovered 30 packages containing 37.08 pounds of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, valued at approximately $340,975.
The contraband was seized by CBP officers, and the case was referred to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), leading to the arrest of the driver under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
Border Security and Regional Impact
Del Rio Port of Entry Acting Port Director Julian DeHoyos praised the efforts of CBP and ICE agents, stating that “exceptional target profiling and rigorous inspections” led to these successful seizures. The Del Rio Port of Entry is part of the Laredo Field Office, which oversees one of the busiest drug seizure regions in the nation.
The region spans over 450 miles, from Del Rio to Brownsville, and is known for its high volume of narcotics seizures. These recent incidents highlight the continued challenges and successes in border security operations.
Randy Clark, a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol, emphasized the importance of these efforts in combating drug trafficking and protecting communities from the harmful effects of narcotics.
Source: Breitbart
