The tractor-trailer arrived at the bridge from Reynosa, Mexico, on Aug. 7 and was referred for a secondary inspection at the cargo facility. During the inspection, officers used nonintrusive inspection equipment and detected something suspicious inside the tractor.
A physical search of the truck led officers to 18 packages containing suspected cocaine. The packages weighed a combined 47.48 pounds, or approximately 21.54 kilograms.
CBP estimated the drugs had a street value of about $634,000.
“Our CBP officers continue to successfully use their skills and expertise to intercept another load of hard narcotics,” Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said.
Federal investigation underway
CBP’s Office of Field Operations seized the suspected cocaine along with the commercial vehicle following the discovery.
Homeland Security Investigations later opened a criminal investigation into the seizure.
CBP has not released the identity of the driver or the motor carrier involved. Officials also did not say what type of freight the tractor-trailer was hauling when it crossed into Texas.
No arrests or criminal charges have been announced in connection with the seizure.
The Pharr International Bridge is one of the busiest commercial crossings between Texas and Mexico, handling a large amount of tractor-trailer traffic coming into the United States from Reynosa and surrounding manufacturing areas.
CBP officers regularly use X-ray and other nonintrusive inspection technology to screen commercial trucks for drugs, weapons and other contraband hidden inside trailers, tractors and cargo.
In this case, the suspected drugs were reportedly concealed inside the tractor itself rather than within the shipment being transported.
Authorities have not released additional information about where the cocaine was headed or who investigators believe was responsible for the shipment.
Why It Matters
Commercial trucks continue to be used by drug trafficking organizations because the massive amount of legitimate freight crossing the U.S.-Mexico border can provide cover for illegal shipments.
Hiding narcotics inside the tractor instead of the cargo also shows how smugglers are continuing to use different concealment methods in an attempt to get drugs through commercial ports of entry.