Feds Seize 780 Pounds of Pot at Border Bridge

Federal customs officers seized over 780 pounds of marijuana at an international bridge between Texas and Mexico.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 781 pounds of marijuana that was in the process of being smuggled from Reynosa, Mexico, into South Texas. Officers assigned to the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry referred a white 1994 Freightliner tractor-trailer to a secondary inspection for a routine examination, according to information obtained by Breitbart Texas from CBP officials.

The driver was crossing the Pharr International Bridge when stopped by inspection officers. The officers used non-intrusive imaging systems and a K-9 to determine drugs were inside the trailer. A physical search revealed 28 packages of marijuana.

The bundles of marijuana totaled 781.53 pounds, officials stated. They estimated the street value of the contraband to be $156,306.

“Our CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility remain vigilant to the CBP mission; this seizure is a great example of our commitment to keep the border safe by intercepting dangerous drugs,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr.

Federal officials seized the drugs and the tractor-trailer. The fate of the driver was not reported by CBP officials.

Earlier in the week, U.S. Border Patrol agents seized 10 pounds of methamphetamine at an inland checkpoint near Del Rio, Texas.

The agents observed a 29=006 Cadillac Escalade approaching the Del Rio checkpoint. A K-9 alerted to the presence of drugs and agents referred the driver, 26-year-old Jesus Guadalupe Ortiz to a secondary inspection station. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 10 pounds of methamphetamine. Officials estimated the street value of the meth at $320,000.

Ortiz was turned over to the DEA for possible prosecution. The drugs and vehicle were seized.

“Criminal enterprises continue their attempt to pollute our nation with narcotics,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak. “However, the agents of Del Rio Sector remain vigilant.”

Bob Price serves as associate editor and senior political news contributor for Breitbart Texas. He is a founding member of the Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX.