Imperial Valley News

Roma, Texas - United States Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Roma/Miguel Aleman International Bridge, Roma, Texas, Sunday seized close to 27 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of close to $847,000.

Officers working at the Roma/Miguel Aleman International Bridge came in contact with a male northbound traveler. The traveler arrived at this border crossing driving a 2003 GMC Sierra pickup truck.

After the initial primary inspection, the driver and vehicle were referred to secondary for an intensive examination. In secondary, “Beno,” a narcotic detector dog, alerted officers to the presence of narcotic odors emanating from the pickup truck’s undercarriage. An image scan revealed anomalies within the Sierra’s transmission housing area.

Officers noted discrepancies to the transmission housing and were able to remove 13 cocaine packages that were found hidden within the Sierra’s transmission housing. CBP officers arrested the driver, who was identified as Cesar Garnica Acosta, a Mexican citizen, age 38 from Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. on federal drug charges.

After his arrest, Garnica Acosta 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, Garnica Acosta remains incarcerated. CBP officers seized the cocaine and the GMC Sierra pickup truck.

Cris Cantu, CBP Port Director, Roma/Falcon Dam said, “I commend my officers and K-9 unit for their work in intercepting this deeply concealed stash of narcotics.”