LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Richard Pauza,

EAGLE PASS, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry this weekend seized cocaine valued at $2.7 million and processed a previously deported man for an alleged immigration law violation. The cocaine seizure occurred on Oct. 15, 2010 during a routine examination at Camino Real International Bridge . A CBP officer referred a 2005 Chevy Z71 1500 pickup driven by a 53-year-old U.S. citizen from Eagle Pass for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the gas tank area.  CBP officers conducted an intensive examination of the gas tank and discovered 35 packages containing a total of 86 pounds of cocaine. 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.

 Also on Oct. 15, CBP officers at Camino Real Bridge processed a vehicle passenger for alleged violations of U.S. immigration law. The man, a 25-year-old Mexican citizen, allegedly claimed U.S. citizenship and produced a State of Texas identification card. CBP officers in secondary examination discovered the man was a Mexican citizen, had previously been deported and had no legal documents to enter or reside in the U.S.

 “Our frontline officers remain focused and dedicated and seized a large quantity of hard narcotics,” said Cynthia O. Rodriguez, CBP Port Director, Eagle Pass. “This cocaine seizure and enforcement of immigration law both underscore CBP’s commitment to keeping our border safe and our community secure.”