PHARR, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly 47.5 pounds of alleged cocaine from a commercial tractor-trailer at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility, the agency said.
The truck arrived from Reynosa, Mexico, on Aug. 7. Officers referred it for a secondary examination after nonintrusive inspection equipment detected anomalies in the tractor.
A physical search located 18 packages concealed in the vehicle. CBP reported a combined weight of 47.48 pounds, or 21.54 kilograms, and an estimated street value of $634,000.
The Office of Field Operations seized the packages and the tractor-trailer. Homeland Security Investigations opened a criminal investigation. Officials had not released information about an arrest or the driver's identity in the initial announcement.
Nonintrusive inspection systems can include imaging equipment used to identify unusual density or hidden compartments without first dismantling a vehicle. Officers then conduct a closer inspection when an image, canine alert, documentation issue or other factor warrants additional screening.
Street-value estimates are used by CBP to describe the approximate illegal-market value of seized narcotics. They are not the same as the wholesale purchase price and can vary by location and distribution level.
The Pharr cargo crossing handles large volumes of produce and commercial freight. CBP officers are responsible for facilitating lawful trade while inspecting vehicles for narcotics, prohibited agricultural products and other contraband.
