Federal Officers in Texas Seize 13,800 Lethal Doses of Cocaine Hidden Within a 1987 Kenworth Tractor
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Texas recently intercepted a load of cocaine hidden within a 1987 Kenworth tractor. The drug seizure occurred on Valentine’s Day at the Veterans International Bridge cargo lot in Brownsville, Texas.
The CBP Office of Field Operations officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry discovered the cocaine after referring the tractor-trailer for a secondary examination. A subsequent non-intrusive imaging system scan indicated anomalies in the semi-truck.
In the secondary screening area, CBP officials used a canine unit to help them locate 16 items concealed inside the tractor-trailer. The parcels contained 36.64 pounds of cocaine, or 13,800 lethal doses. CBP officials removed the drugs from the vehicle and seized the vehicle.
Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations then started a criminal inquiry. The CBP Laredo Field Office has seized more over 63,000 pounds of drugs since January 21, 2025.
“We must maintain our vigilance regardless of the mode of transportation and our officers’ efforts led to this significant drug seizure, keeping it from reaching our streets,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The CBP officers made more than one drug seizure that day
That same day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers also intercepted a load of cocaine valued at approximately $239,314 hidden within a 2003 Jeep. That drug seizure occurred when a 26-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, attempted entry into the United States.
Using a canine unit and a non-intrusive inspection technology, CBP officers found eight parcels concealed within the car after it was sent to CBP secondary for additional investigation following a main inspection. The shipments, which included 17.9 pounds of cocaine, were removed by CBP officials.
The estimated street value of the cocaine from the seizure is approximately $239,314. After seizing the car, CBP officials detained the driver and handed him over to special agents from Homeland Security Investigations for additional inquiry.
“Our officers are relentless in their efforts to keep our borders secure and used available tools to intercept these dangerous drugs,” said Port Director Ortiz.
