PRESIDIO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry on three separate occasions seized 15 pounds cocaine, 45 pounds methamphetamine, and 31 handguns all within a six day period. The street value of the drugs is $389,000 and the market value of the weapons is $14,675.
Our Nation’s security at the border requires CBP officers to be vigilant for all types of contraband and concealment methods,” said Michael Neipert, CBP Presidio Port Director, “Presidio CBP officers do an excellent job of detecting contraband.”
The first seizure was made at 9:30 p.m. on Friday February 1when a 36-year-old Mexican citizen male driver applied for entry at the primary inspection station driving a 2011 Dodge Journey. The vehicle was referred for an x-ray exam where anomalies were observed in the dashboard area of the vehicle. Officers removed six foil-wrapped bundles which field tested positive for cocaine.
The second seizure occurred on Sunday February 3 at 11:30 a.m. when a 1993 Chevy Silverado driven by a 62-year-old male Mexican citizen driver arrived at the primary inspection booth. The vehicle was referred for an x-ray exam and anomalies were observed in the spare tire of the vehicle. After dismantling the spare tire, officers removed 50 bundles containing a substance which field tested positive for methamphetamine.
CBP officers took custody of and arrested all three individuals who were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempts.