CBP Thwarts Major Drug Smuggling Attempts at Del Rio Port

In under a week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers disrupted the efforts of two individuals trying to smuggle nearly $657,000 worth of drugs into the country at the Del Rio, Texas, Port of Entry. Both individuals, who are U.S. citizens, are now facing criminal charges related to these incidents.

The first failed smuggling attempt occurred on October 8. A man driving a 2013 GMC Acadia attempted to cross into the U.S. from Mexico via the Del Rio International Bridge. A CBP officer identified enough reasons to send the driver and his vehicle for a secondary inspection.

During this thorough inspection, officers utilized non-intrusive technology, which prompted them to conduct a physical search of the vehicle. They discovered 16 packages of suspected illegal substances hidden inside. After examination, the packages were found to contain approximately 23.68 pounds of what is believed to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of $316,142.

The narcotics were seized by CBP, and the case was transferred to ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), leading to the arrest of the 23-year-old driver, as a criminal investigation continues.

Just a few days later, on Sunday, CBP officers intercepted another smuggling attempt at the same port. In this case, a man driving a 2005 Ford Expedition tried to enter from Mexico. Following an initial interview, the vehicle was also sent for a secondary inspection for further scrutiny.

Using a non-intrusive inspection system, officers found an additional 30 packages containing a total of 37.08 pounds of what is believed to be methamphetamine, cleverly tucked under the vehicle’s spare tire. This contraband is estimated to be worth around $340,975.

The contraband was again seized, and the case was referred to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The driver was subsequently arrested by DPS investigators and is now facing charges under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

Del Rio Port of Entry Acting Port Director Julian DeHoyos remarked on the recent seizures, noting that “in just four days, exceptional target profiling and rigorous inspections led to these significant seizures. This string of successful actions underscores our absolute commitment to dismantling the networks trying to poison our communities.”

The Del Rio Port of Entry is one of ten ports operated under the Laredo Field Office and ranks as the second busiest in the nation for narcotics seizures by CBP, covering a 450-mile area from Del Rio in the north to Brownsville at Texas’s southern tip.