CBP Officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry Seize $2.7 Million in Cocaine from San Antonio Woman This Week
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Aug 13, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Richard Pauza,
EAGLE PASS, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry this week seized $2.7 million in cocaine – their largest cocaine load thus far in Fiscal Year 2010. The cocaine seizure occurred on Aug. 10, 2010 at Bridge I. A CBP officer referred a 2005 Ford F-150 pickup driven by a 42-year-old female U.S. citizen from San Antonio for a secondary examination. In secondary, CBP officers noticed discrepancies in the gas tank area. A CBP Canine alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the vehicle. A non-intrusive imaging system scan indicated anomalies in the gas tank area. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination of the vehicle and seized 35 packages containing a total of 86 pounds of cocaine hidden in the gas tank. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $2.7 million.
CBP officers turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation and seized the vehicle and the contraband.
“The Eagle Pass officers applied their inspection skills, experience and took down their largest load of cocaine in Fiscal Year 2010,” said Cynthia Rodriguez, CBP Port Director, Eagle Pass. “This seizure helps keep our streets and border communities safe and secure.”
