U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently intercepted over $2.1 million worth of illegal drugs at South Texas ports of entry, highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the U.S. border.
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, CBP officers at the McAllen-Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge discovered 21 packages of cocaine, weighing over 46 pounds, hidden inside a car arriving from Mexico. The estimated street value of the drugs is over $618,000.
The vehicle was flagged for secondary inspection, where officers deployed nonintrusive inspection equipment and detected the concealed narcotics.
“Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain strict vigilance, even amid the sweltering heat this week,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
“Seizures like these exemplify CBP’s continued commitment to advancing the agency’s border security mission.”
The day before, on Tuesday, May 13, CBP officers at the Rio Grande City International Bridge in Starr County seized nearly 200 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a car driven by a 26-year-old Mexican woman. The drugs were concealed in 83 packages and have an estimated street value of $1.7 million.
The car, arriving from Camargo, Mexico, was also referred for secondary inspection, where a canine detection team and advanced scanning technology uncovered the narcotics.
“This seizure underscores the reality of the drug threat and the importance of upholding our priority border security mission,” said Port Director Rogelio Olivares.
These two back-to-back drug seizures reflect the crucial role of CBP technology, canine units, and experienced officers in stopping narcotics trafficking through international ports.