Officials make shocking discovery at Texas-Mexico border
Border patrol agents at the Texas-Mexico border had a busy weekend, uncovering two surprising discoveries that led to the arrests of three individuals in separate incidents.
On Sunday, a 20-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, both U.S. citizens, were attempting to cross into the United States through the Anzalduas International Bridge when their vehicle was selected for a secondary inspection by CBP agents. What they found inside the vehicle was unexpected – a spider monkey concealed in a backpack. The two individuals were taken into custody, and the monkey was safely transported to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville.
The importation of monkeys is regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and they are not allowed to be brought into the country as pets.
In a separate incident on the same day, CBP agents at the Hidalgo International Bridge stopped a 68-year-old Mexican citizen for a secondary inspection. Upon further investigation, they discovered approximately 73 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden inside the man’s Ford Explorer. The estimated street value of the narcotics was around $980,000. The man was taken into custody by Homeland Security, and the cocaine was seized by CBP.
Hidalgo Port Director Carlos Rodriguez commended the vigilance of the CBP officers and agriculture specialists, stating that their attention to detail and experience led to the interception of an endangered species and a significant drug seizure. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to preventing the exploitation of protected animals and combating the spread of animal diseases.
The identities of the three suspects have not been disclosed by authorities at this time. CBP has yet to respond to requests for comments from Fox News Digital.
The incidents serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by border patrol agents in protecting the nation’s borders and enforcing security measures. The seizures of the spider monkey and the cocaine highlight the diverse range of threats that agents must remain vigilant against.
For more updates on border security and other news stories, you can download the Fox News app or follow @juliabonavita13 for the latest updates. Julia Bonavita is a U.S. Writer for Fox News Digital and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot. You can reach out to her with story tips at julia.bonavita@fox.com.
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