U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Texas this week intercepted more than $517,000 worth of heroin concealed in candy dispensers and tortilla presses.
CBP Office of Field Operations officers working at the Camino Real International Bridge at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on July 9 encountered a Dodge pickup truck attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico and referred it for secondary inspection.
Following a search using nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team, a physical inspection revealed six packages of suspected heroin weighing a total of 26.96 pounds (12.23 kilograms) hidden within candy dispensers and tortilla presses. The narcotics carry an estimated street value of $517,072.
“Our frontline CBP officers utilized their inspection skill, experience, technology and intercepted a sizable amount of heroin during a routine inspection,” said Port Director Pete Beattie. “Seizures like these exemplify CBPs ongoing commitment to upholding our border security mission.”
The narcotics were seized by CBP along with the vehicle. The driver and passenger were taken into custody by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which has launched a criminal investigation.
