WASHINGTON: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents seized more than 70 pounds of cocaine over the weekend near the U.S.-Mexico border in south Texas in two separate incidents.
According to the agency, an 18-year-old female Mexican citizen tried to drive across the Hidalgo International Bridge near McAllen on Saturday with 15 packages allegedly containing cocaine. Agents used a canine team on the woman’s silver 208 Dodge Caliber and found nearly 35 pounds of cocaine in her car. CBP estimates the cocaine found in the woman’s car is valued at $269,280.
On the same day at the Anzalduas International Bridge near McAllen, agents arrested a 46-year-old Mexican citizen who was caught with 15 packages allegedly containing cocaine. The narcotics weighed in at 37.88 pounds, according to the agency.
Agents used a canine team as well according to a release from CBP. The man is estimated to have had $292,060 worth of cocaine in his white 2011 Nissan Altima.
The agency said it seized all the narcotics and the vehicles. Both drivers were arrested and turned over to Homeland Security agents for further investigation.