Texas officials seized more than half a million dollars worth of cocaine hidden in a tractor, according to a new report.
The incident took place at the Rio Grande City International Bridge this week, when Customs and Border Protection officials seized almost 42 pounds of the substance, Border Report noted.
The outlet wrote that the seizure took place when officials encountered the tractor seeking to enter the U.S. from Mexico. A physical inspection led to the discovery of 18 packages inside the vehicle, with a street value of almost $550,000.
"CBP utilized all available tools and resources to stop this smuggling attempt and prevent these drugs from entering our country," said Port Director Rogelio Olivares, Rio Grande City Port of Entry.
Several such incidents routinely take place in the country. In November, two ranchers were slapped with federal charges after being caught trying to smuggle almost 24 pounds of cocaine.
After noticing anomalies in their car, Customs and Border Protection agents questioned the occupants, who said they were going to their home in Albuquerque after visiting relatives in Mexico.
A drug-sniffing dog found 12 bundles with a white powder than then tested positive for cocaine. Overall, there were almost 24 pounds of cocaine in the car.
One of the two people charged, Federico Rocha Lucero, said he and his wife spent several days in Durango tending to their livestock with no telephone access. Upon return, his brother told him their car was missing and presumably stolen.
Rocha added that the car was "returned" with no damage and they used it to return to the U.S. His wife, Veronica Solano, said in turn she had "nothing to do with what's going on" and her husband "made her drive" during the return. She also told agents that her husband "has been doing drugs," has a criminal record and a pending court date in Albuquerque.
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