Border Patrol officers in Texas made a significant seizure when they uncovered nearly a ton of cocaine concealed in a semi-truck on the Eagle Pass border bridge. The drugs, with an estimated value of $1.4 million, were being smuggled into Texas from Mexico.
CPB officers find $1.4 million worth of cocaine at Texas border
In a single enforcement operation, United States Customs and Border Protection officials have seized cocaine valued at $1.4 million, as reported by Border Report.
The incident took place at an international bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, when a semi-truck was trying to cross the border from Piedras Negras into Texas.
The trucker underwent a secondary inspection after diligent drug-sniffing dogs detected the presence of contraband. Despite its outward appearance, the 2013 Freightliner tractor-trailer seemed ordinary.
Images captured by the non-intrusive inspection system revealed suspicious findings around the gas tank. Upon further investigation, authorities uncovered a total of 42 packages weighing 108 lbs, concealed within the truck. These illicit substances were cunningly hidden within the fuel tank of the tractor-trailer.
Smugglers often resort to using fuel to mask odors while attempting to transport illegal items across the border. The estimated street value of these narcotics is around $1,445,896.
Frontline officers in Eagle Pass Port, led by Port Director Pete Beattie, have demonstrated unwavering vigilance in their efforts. Their commitment, combined with the advanced non-intrusive inspection system technology, has resulted in a remarkable cocaine seizure.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents have launched a criminal investigation into the seizure, aiming to uncover more information about the incident. The identity of the truck driver remains unknown, and it is uncertain whether they will be charged with any offenses.