CBP officers uncover more than $800K in cocaine at Hidalgo International Bridge on Easter Sunday

HIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge on Easter Sunday intercepted $850,000 in alleged cocaine concealed within a vehicle.

“Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain strict vigilance amid heavy traffic on holidays like Easter Sunday and that dedication and effective utilization of technology and experience resulted in this significant cocaine seizure,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

On April 20, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a black GMC SUV making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 24 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 63.80 pounds (29.72 kg) concealed within the vehicle.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on X at @DFOLaredo on Instagram at @dfolaredo and also U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPSouthTexas for breaking news, current events, human interest stories, and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.