HIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized about 78 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $1.04 million after discovering the drugs hidden inside a passenger bus at the Hidalgo Port of Entry on April 11, authorities said.
The seizure occurred at the Hidalgo International Bridge when officers selected a commercial bus for secondary inspection. During the inspection, officers used a K-9 unit and imaging technology to examine the vehicle more closely.
According to CBP, officers found 36 packages of suspected cocaine concealed inside the bus seats.
The agency said it confiscated both the narcotics and the bus following the discovery. The case has been referred to Homeland Security Investigations for further review.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said in a statement that the seizure reflects enforcement efforts aimed at preventing illegal drugs from entering the United States.