U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $595,000 worth of alleged methamphetamine at the Del Rio Port of Entry after discovering 81 packages hidden inside a vehicle, according to the agency.
The seizure occured September 28 at the Del Rio International Bridge import facility when officers referred a 2018 Fort Transit van for a secondary inspection.
Officers discovered 81 packages containing 64.73 pounds of alleged methamphetamine concealed inside the driver-side quarter panel. CBP estimated the drugs had a street value of $595,185.
"Stopping hard narcotics at our ports of entry is a top priority, and this seizure highlights the exceptional work being done by our officers every single day," said Liliana Flores, port director at the Del Rio Port of Entry. "This successful methamphetamine interception proves that our layered enforcement strategy is working precisely as intended to safeguard our nation."
The driver, a 59-year-old lawful permanent resident, was arrested by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations. HSI has initiated a criminal investigation while CBP seized the narcotics.
CBP said the seizure occured at the Del Rio International Bridge, one of the agency's ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to CBP, they regularly use nonintrusive inspection technology and physical examinations as part of its efforts to identify narcotics and other contraband at ports of entry.
The agency said the seizure reflects its ongoing efforts to intercept illicit narcotics before they enter the United States.
