CBP Field Operations at Hidalgo International Bridge arrests man attempting to smuggle $1.5 million in methamphetamine

HIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a man from Tyler, Texas after discovering $1,555,000 worth of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle he was driving.

“This significant load of hard narcotics was intercepted due to our officer’s commitment to the CBP mission in keeping dangerous drugs out of our country,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

On March 12, a CBP officer at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge referred a 35-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a Chrysler Pacifica for a more thorough examination.

With the assistance of a canine team, officers conducting the secondary examination were able to detect alleged liquid methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle’s gas tank.

The extraction process resulted in the removal of 77 pounds (35.26 kg) of methamphetamine.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics, the vehicle and arrested the man who was turned over to the custody of agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as they continue with the investigation.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-863-9382 or contacting their website at http://www.cbp.gov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.