Cocaine Bust: $850K Seized by CBP on Easter Sunday at Hidalgo International Bridge

Cocaine Bust: $850K Seized by CBP on Easter Sunday at Hidalgo International Bridge

SOUTH TEXAS – What began as a routine border crossing on Easter Sunday quickly escalated into a major narcotics seizure after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers uncovered $850,000 worth of cocaine at the Hidalgo International Bridge.

Authorities reported that the cocaine—packaged into 24 bundles and weighing approximately 64 pounds—was hidden inside a black GMC SUV attempting to enter the United States. The bust underscores the constant vigilance required at busy ports of entry, even on major holidays.

CBP officers seized the drugs on site and placed the driver under arrest. Officials have not released the name of the individual, citing an ongoing investigation.

Port of Entry Seizures on the Rise

The International Bridge remains one of the busiest points of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border, and it has seen a growing number of drug smuggling attempts in recent months. Cocaine remains a high-value commodity for criminal organizations, who use passenger vehicles to smuggle illicit cargo across ports under the guise of ordinary travel.

CBP has increased efforts to detect contraband using a combination of canine units, X-ray technology, and behavioral analysis. Officers are trained to recognize even subtle signs of concealment and nervous behavior.

A Broader Pattern of Cocaine Trafficking

This seizure comes amid a wave of recent busts in the region, including two cases earlier in the same week where Border Patrol agents confiscated over $3 million worth of cocaine in separate vehicle searches. The back-to-back incidents suggest a high-volume push by smuggling networks, potentially linked to cartel operations just across the border.

Authorities continue to emphasize community awareness and interagency cooperation as key components in combatting cross-border drug trafficking.

CBP urges travelers to remain alert and encourages anyone with information about smuggling activities to reach out anonymously. One tip could prevent deadly drugs from reaching American streets.