U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents seized more than $3 million worth of cocaine at the Rio Grande City border crossing this month, the largest drug bust so far this year.

On August 24, CBP officers discovered 228 pounds of illegal narcotics hidden in a shipment of charcoal at the Rio Grande City International Bridge. The estimated street value of the drugs is $3,044,859, according to CBP.

Border officials have not released any information about the suspect involved in the drug seizure.

CBP officers submitted the tractor-trailer, which was carrying a load of charcoal, for a second inspection.

Police officers at the US-Mexico border submitted the vehicle for further inspection, which included a “non-invasive inspection system.”

CBP dogs detected the presence of narcotics in the vehicle and notified officers.

During a further physical examination, CBP officers discovered the huge amount of cocaine, consisting of 100 packages, hidden in the vehicle.

“Our frontline officers remain vigilant in the cargo area, and their inspection skills coupled with technology and our canine unit contributed to this significant seizure,” said Port Director Rogelio Olivares. “Seizures like this one illustrate CBP’s commitment to advancing our mission of border security while enabling legitimate trade and travel.”

Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal investigation, which is ongoing.

CBP officers seized the narcotics following the drug raid.

The operations are part of CBP’s ongoing efforts to intercept and prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country.

Earlier this month, CBP officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry seized more than $498,000 worth of cocaine hidden in a secret compartment in the floor of a vehicle.

Also in August, border officials in San Diego seized half a million dollars worth of cocaine after a Border Patrol canine team tracked down the drug shipment.

Meanwhile, officials at the U.S.-Canada border in August seized more than $4 million worth of cocaine hidden in a semi-trailer behind a “false wall.”

According to CBP data, more than 53,783 pounds of cocaine were seized nationwide in fiscal year 2024.

During the 2023-2024 fiscal year (as of July 2024), law enforcement officials at the U.S.-Mexico border seized a total of 24,152 pounds of cocaine at the southwest border.

Almost half of the cocaine seized in the United States entered the country via the southern border.

According to statistics from the National Center for Health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2023.

Cocaine is a highly addictive, stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America.

Steve Rolles, senior policy analyst at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, said Newsweek: “People take drugs whether we like it or not, and that has to be the starting point for any pragmatic political thinking. We have a choice: either we regulate these drugs responsibly or we leave them to the organized crime gangs. There is no third option where these markets simply disappear.”

Do you have a story we should cover? Do you have questions about this article? Contact [email protected]