see also: in September 2008:   Ramey Border Patrol Sector Sponsors Intelligence Training   CBP Arrests Woman at California Port after Discovering 3 Hidden Females   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Lost Alien   Customs and Border Protection Warns Floral Importers About Unripe Poppy Pods   CBP Officers Arrest Man Wanted for Failing to Register as Sex Offender   El Paso CBP Officers Discover 3,000 Pounds of Marijuana in Shipment of Watermelons   CBP Seizes More Than $360,000 in Undeclared Currency ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Hidalgo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized close to 260 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of close to $8.3 million.

On August 31, at 11:05 p.m., CBP officers working at the Hidalgo port of entry came in contact with an arriving northbound commercial bus. At primary, the bus driver was identified as a U.S. citizen, age 43, and as a resident of Harlingen, Texas. After a routine primary examination, the male driver and bus were referred to secondary for an intensive examination.

In secondary, x-ray images revealed anomalies within the rear portion of the bus above the rear wheels. “Robbie,” a narcotic detector dog alerted officers to the presence of narcotics emanating from the suspected areas. While conducting an intensive examination of the bus, officers located a secret compartment above the bus’s rear right wheels. From the secret compartment, officers removed 100 cocaine packages. At this time, the bus driver was not arrested but was issued a $10,000 penalty. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents continue to investigate this failed smuggling attempt. The bus and cocaine were seized.

“Currently, this is the largest cocaine seizure found hidden in a commercial bus,” said Hector A. Mancha, Hidalgo/Pharr port director. “This is a significant seizure in terms of quantity and dollar value. Our officers and K-9 units continue to do great enforcement work.”

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.