El Paso CBP officers seize 40 pounds of cocaine, arrest U.S. citizen
Jan 10, 2025
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in El Paso seized 41.6 pounds of cocaine and arrested a U.S. citizen in an alleged smuggling attempt on Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Paso Del Norte port of entry.
According to the CBP, the seizure was made at 6 a.m. on Jan. 9 when a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen was attempting to cross from Mexico in a vehicle. The CBP only identified the man by gender and age.
Officers performed an X-ray scan on the vehicle and found "anomalies," the CBP said.
A physical exam was then done on the vehicle and officers discovered 10 cocaine-filled bundles hidden in multiple compartments, the CBP said.
CBP officers in El Paso seized over 40 pounds of cocaine at the Paso Del Norte port of entry. Photo courtesy to the CBP.
Officers arrested the man and he was turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt, the CBP said.
“CBP officers remain vigilant in their efforts to stop any and all drug smugglers,” acting CBP El Paso Port Director Arnie Gomez said. “CBP officers will utilize multiple tools to stop drug loads.”