Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents seized 67 pounds of cocaine that was hidden in the sleeper compartment of a tractor-trailer Saturday at the Sarita Checkpoint on U.S. Highway 77 North.
The seizure occurred when Border Patrol agents from the Kingsville Station encountered the driver of a tractor-trailer in the primary inspection lane. After a K-9 alerted to the tractor, the driver was sent to the secondary inspection area, where a search revealed a hidden compartment containing 27 bundles of cocaine. The total weight of the cocaine was approximately 67 pounds with an estimated street value of more than $2 million. The driver, a 46-year-old United States citizen, was arrested.Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations took over the case.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll-free telephone number at 800-863-9382.
(Press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
