LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Richard Pauza,

Eagle Pass , Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized a significant cocaine load valued at $1.3 million during a routine inspection.

 The seizure occurred on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009 at Bridge I. A CBP officer referred a 2004 Nissan Titan driven by Escar Leonel Rivera, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen from Austin , Texas for a secondary inspection.  During the inspection, CBP officers noted discrepancies behind the dash area and a CBP canine alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the vehicle. A non-intrusive imaging system indicated anomalies in the firewall area. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination of the firewall area and discovered packages containing 42 pounds of cocaine. The cocaine carries a total estimated street value of $1.3 million.  CBP officers arrested Rivera and turned him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents who investigated the seizure and processed him on federal drug charges.

 In addition, CBP officers this week apprehended three persons wanted on outstanding warrants, discovered a missing juvenile, recovered a stolen vehicle and apprehended two people for violations of immigration law. Regarding the immigration law violations, one had entered the U.S. with a laser visa belonging to someone else and the other, a previously deported Mexican citizen imprisoned on three separate occasions for illegal entry, was apprehended after a southbound examination revealed the man had no valid documentation to reside or travel in the U.S.  

 “Our officers this week maintained their vigilance and their efforts were rewarded with a large seizure of cocaine, fugitive apprehensions and the discovery of two notable immigration law violations,” said John Salazar, CBP Port Director, Eagle Pass. “Their constant dedication to the CBP mission helps to keep our borders secure.”