see also: in December 2008:   CBP Lists Top 10 Enforcement Events of 2008   CBP Seizes $200K in Undeclared Currency; Arrest 1 at Texas Port   Marfa Sector Agents Apprehend Murder Suspect   San Ysidro Port Modernization Deployment Temporarily Reduces Lanes   Border Patrol Agents Assist in Locating Distressed Individual   CBP Officers Stop Man at Michigan Border Crossing Wanted for Aggravated Sexual Assault   Holiday Surprise; CBP Unwraps 312 Pounds of Khat in December ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers’ vigilance this weekend at the Brownsville Port of Entry led to the discovery and seizure of more than $4.3 million in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana in four significant enforcement actions.

The first, a heroin seizure, occurred shortly after 1:41 p.m. Friday at Gateway International Bridge. A CBP officer referred a 2004 Nissan Titan pickup truck driven by Charles Rivera Martinez, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen and resident of Tampa, Fla. for a secondary inspection. During the examination, officers found discrepancies within the drive shaft of the truck.

An imaging system scan indicated anomalies in the same area. “Diego,” a narcotic detector dog, alerted officers to the odor of narcotics emanating from the area. Intensive examination of the truck by CBP officers revealed 13 packages containing a total of nearly 36 pounds of heroin hidden within the drive shaft.

The heroin from this enforcement action has an estimated street value of more than $3.5 million. The driver was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement20special agents who continue to investigate the seizure.

The second, a cocaine seizure, also occurred Friday at Gateway International Bridge. CBP officers referred a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue driven by Fernando Fraga Rodriguez, a 35-year-old U.S. citizen and resident of San Antonio, Texas for a secondary inspection. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the floor of the Oldsmobile. Again detector dog Diego alerted to the odor of narcotics and a scan indicated anomalies in the floor area. Further examination by CBP officers of the Oldsmobile resulted in the discovery of six packages containing a total of almost 15 pounds of cocaine concealed within the floor of the Intrigue, worth more than $467,000.

The third, a marijuana seizure, took place on Saturday at 3:34 a.m. at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge. CBP officers referred a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Sergio Salas, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen and resident of Pasadena, Texas, for a secondary inspection. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies to the tires of the Dodge pickup.

“Cheka”, a narcotic detector dog, alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the vehicle. A non-intrusive imaging system scan indicated anomalies in all four tires of the Dodge. An intensive examination by CBP officers of the truck’s tires resulted in the discovery of two metal boxes within each tire. The eight boxes contained a total of 149 pounds of marijuana.

The marijuana from t his seizure has an estimated street value of over $149,000. The driver was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to the custody of ICE special agents who continue to investigate the seizure and processed the driver on federal drug charges.

The fourth, a methamphetamine seizure, occurred Sunday at 12:05 p.m. at Gateway International Bridge. An observant CBP officer referred a 2003 Jeep driven by Francisco Alberto Mendoza, a 27-year-old U.S. citizen and resident of Brownsville, Texas for secondary inspection along with his three minor children. During secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered a vehicle battery in the back seat cargo area of the Jeep. “Gator,” a narcotic detector dog, alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the battery. An intensive examination by CBP officers of the battery resulted in the discovery of more thanver nine pounds of methamphetamine hidden within the battery.

The methamphetamine from this seizure has an estimated street value of over $141,000. The driver was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to the custody of ICE special agents who continue to investigate the seizure and processed the driver on federal drug charges. Francisco Alberto Mendoza’s children were turned over to their mother.

“The border never closes,” said Michael Freeman, port director, Brownsville.

“CBP officers are ever vigilant as they protect our nation's borders. As most people enjoy their weekend off, our officers continue to be on the fro ntline. steadfast in their commitment to our nation’s safety. This weekend’s interceptions demonstrate that great team Brownsville has on the frontline.”

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.