November 10, 09

NEWS / CBP Officers at Texas Bridge Find Cocaine Hidden in Engine Intake Manifold

Hidalgo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Roma, Starr County International Bridge seized approximately 10.5 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of close to $ 339,000.


On November 7, CBP officers working at the Roma, Starr County International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 1994 Cadillac four-door sedan. After the initial primary inspection, the vehicle and male driver were referred to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers noted discrepancies within the Cadillac’s engine compartment.


A non-intrusive image scan revealed anomalies within the engine’s intake manifold. CBP officers accessed the intake manifold and removed four cocaine packages that were found hidden inside the manifold.


The driver, identified as Alejandro Sandoval, a Mexican citizen, age 43 from Houston, Texas was arrested on federal drug charges. After his arrest, Sandoval was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents who continue to investigate this failed smuggling attempt. Pending appearance before a U.S. Magistrate, Sandoval remains incarcerated. The Cadillac sedan was seized by CBP officers.


Cris Cantu, CBP port director, Roma/Falcon Dam said, “Officer skill, experience and technology utilization led the way to our frontline officers finding the drug load hidden in the engine’s intake manifold.”

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/11092009_6.xml