see also: in March 2007 News Releases:   SBInet Completes Test of First Mobile Sensor Tower   Nogales Border Patrol Seizes 6 Tons of Marijuana from Garbage Truck   El Paso CBP Officers Make Largest Drug Bust In 2 Years   CBP Seizes $709,291 in Undeclared Currency at Laredo Port of Entry   Border Patrol Seizes $13 Million in Cocaine Near Hidalgo, Texas   El Paso CBP Offers Tips For Quick, Safe Easter Holiday Border Crossings   Border Patrol Assists Man Bitten by Snake ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Kingsville, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents intercepted 45 pounds of cocaine while performing immigration inspections at the Sarita Checkpoint March 6. The value of the narcotics is estimated at more a almost $1.5 million.

The seizure occurred when agents assigned to the Kingsville, Texas checkpoint encountered a blue Chevrolet Tahoe in the primary lane. A CBP canine alerted on the driver side rear bumper of the vehicle. Agents referred the vehicle into the secondary inspection area and requested consent to search the vehicle.

After a brief search the agents noticed fresh marks on the bolts that held the rear seats down. Agents removed the seats and the carpet of the cargo area and discovered a non factory compartment below the rear seats. The compartment concealed 18 bundles of cocaine weighing 45 pounds. The value of the cocaine is $1,440,000.

The driver, vehicle and contraband were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

During the secondary inspection of the vehicle, Texas National Guard personnel assigned to the Rio Grande Valley sector in support of Operation Jump Start assisted Kingsville Border Patrol agents by removing the narcotics from the hidden compartment located in the cargo area of the vehicle.

Texas National Guard personnel continue to assist Border Patrol agents by performing support duties, thereby allowing agents to continue with their national security mission.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sectors’ toll free telephone number at 1-800-863-9382.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.