CBP Field Operations Seizes over $3 Million in Narcotics and $1 Million in Unreported Currency at Rio Grande Valley International Bridges During Recent 35-Day Period

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry remained vigilant during the temporary lapse in appropriations and seized $3,118,000 in cocaine and methamphetamine and seized $1,153,135 undeclared U.S. currency in separate, unrelated incidents.

“I want to commend our frontline officers who kept their sense of responsibility and continued vigilance during this trying time,” said Port Director David Gonzalez. “Our officers persevered and did not waver from CBP’s top missions, which includes keeping dangerous drugs from entering our country through our international bridges.”

In separate, unrelated incidents, CBP Field Operations officers assigned to the Hidalgo, Pharr and Anzalduas International Bridges seized 124.34 pounds (56.40 kg) of alleged cocaine, 108 pounds (49 kg) of alleged methamphetamine along with over 300 boxes/vials of steroids. Officers also seized $1,153,135 unreported U.S. currency that was discovered while working outbound operations at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge.

Along with these notable seizures, CBP officers arrested 32 persons with outstanding arrest warrants and also encountered people attempting to enter the United States utilizing someone else’s immigration entry documents.

CBP OFO was able to accomplish these outstanding seizures through great officer inspectional techniques, the assistance of (canine teams), non-intrusive imaging technology and the utilization of all available tools and resources.

CBP OFO arrested those individuals involved in the illicit activities and the cases remain under investigation by the office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), McAllen, Texas.

It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.