U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine, hidden within a 2013 Mercedes

“Our officers remain vigilant to keep our borders secure using valuable experience and the available enforcement tools which led to this important narcotics seizure,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.

The seizure took place on Tuesday, July 27, at Gateway International Bridge when a 36-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2013 Mercedes. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection.  While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive imaging system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 10 packages hidden within the vehicle.  CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 24.05 pounds of alleged cocaine.

The estimated street value of the cocaine from the seizure is $185,470.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.