TEXAS — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made two noteworthy interceptions at the Texas-Mexico border last weekend — seizing more than $980,000 worth of cocaine and rescuing a smuggled spider monkey.
On Sunday, April 6, CBP officials at the Anzalduas International Bridge, part of the Hidalgo Port of Entry, discovered a live spider monkey concealed inside a backpack during a secondary vehicle inspection.
The occupants of the vehicle — a 20-year-old male and a 21-year-old female, both U.S. citizens — were taken into custody. The monkey was safely transferred to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas.
According to CBP, spider monkeys are classified under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and their importation into the United States is tightly regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Monkeys are prohibited from being imported as pets due to concerns over species protection and disease transmission.
Cocaine Worth Nearly $1 Million Seized in Separate Incident
That same day, CBP officers at the nearby Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted a significant drug smuggling attempt. A 68-year-old Mexican national was referred for a secondary inspection, which led officers to uncover 28 packages of cocaine hidden inside his vehicle.
The total weight of the seized narcotics was approximately 73 pounds, with an estimated street value exceeding $980,000. The vehicle and drugs were confiscated, and the driver was arrested. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
Identities Withheld, Photos Not Released
CBP has not released the names of any of the individuals arrested in connection with either the animal smuggling or the drug seizure. Additionally, no images of the spider monkey have been made public.
CBP Statement on Recent Seizures
“These back-to-back interdictions highlight the vigilance and dedication of our frontline CBP officers and agriculture specialists,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director for the Hidalgo Port of Entry. “Their attention to detail and extensive inspection experience were instrumental in uncovering both an endangered species being smuggled and a substantial narcotics shipment. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding both national security and wildlife.”
