CBP Seizes $1.7M Cocaine at Del Rio Bridge in 2026
CBP officers at Del Rio, Texas seized 129.67 pounds of cocaine worth over $1.7 million on August 4, 2026 — hidden inside the quarter panels of a car driven by a U.S. citizen. One person was arrested. For non-citizens, a drug arrest at the border can trigger removal proceedings on top of criminal charges.
On August 4, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Del Rio International Bridge in Texas seized 129.67 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $1,731,425. The drugs were hidden inside the quarter panels of a 2013 Dodge Durango driven by a 29-year-old male U.S. citizen.
Officers referred the vehicle for secondary inspection and used a nonintrusive inspection system — a scanning technology that detects hidden items without taking a vehicle apart. A physical search then uncovered 49 packages of alleged cocaine. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents made one arrest and opened a criminal investigation.
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Port Director Liliana Flores credited the result to officer training and investment in inspection technology. CBP's Laredo Field Office oversees operations at Del Rio and publishes updates on social media.
What this means for travelers crossing the border
CBP officers at ports of entry have broad authority to inspect any vehicle or person crossing into the United States — including U.S. citizens and visa holders. Secondary inspection can happen without advance notice and does not require a warrant. Carrying or transporting controlled substances across the border is a federal crime and can result in arrest, criminal charges, and — for non-citizens — removal proceedings.
What to do
- If you cross the border regularly, know that CBP can inspect your vehicle at any time. Cooperate calmly and do not obstruct officers.
- If you are a non-citizen and are arrested at a port of entry, you have the right to remain silent and the right to contact an attorney. Ask for a lawyer before answering questions beyond basic identification.
- If you are placed in removal proceedings as a result of a criminal arrest, contact an immigration attorney immediately — criminal charges can affect your visa, green card, or asylum case.
- Follow official CBP channels for updates on border enforcement activity in your crossing area.
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A drug arrest at a port of entry can trigger serious immigration consequences for any non-citizen, including visa cancellation, green card denial, or removal proceedings — even if criminal charges are later dropped. Under INA § 237, a conviction for a controlled substance offense is a deportable offense, and even an admission to the conduct can be used against you in immigration court. If you or someone you know is arrested at the border, consult an immigration attorney before speaking with any federal agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBP search my car at the border without a warrant?
Yes. At ports of entry, CBP officers have broad legal authority to inspect vehicles, luggage, and persons crossing into the United States. This applies to everyone — U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike — and does not require a warrant or probable cause.
If I am a green card holder and get arrested at the border for drugs, can I be deported?
Yes. A drug-related conviction is a deportable offense under U.S. immigration law. Even a single conviction for possession of a controlled substance — other than a first offense for simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana — can lead to removal proceedings. Talk to an immigration lawyer immediately if this happens.
Does a drug arrest (without conviction) affect my visa or green card application?
It can. USCIS and consular officers can consider arrests and admissions of conduct, not just convictions. An arrest may trigger additional scrutiny or a request for more evidence. An immigration attorney can help you understand how to respond honestly while protecting your case.
What should I do if I am detained at a port of entry?
Stay calm and do not resist. You must provide basic identification. Beyond that, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Ask clearly: 'I want to speak with a lawyer.' Do not sign any documents you do not understand before consulting legal counsel.