BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Two men were arrested on Sunday after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers uncovered a large cocaine shipment hidden inside a utility trailer at the Veterans International Bridge. Elias Perez Salas and Adrian Castellanos Salas were both charged with possessing approximately 246 pounds of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The incident occurred when Perez was driving a white Ford Super Duty truck hauling a utility trailer, with Castellanos as a passenger, as they entered the U.S. from Mexico. CBP officers conducted a search of the trailer, revealing 100 bundles of cocaine concealed within the floorboards. The drugs, which field-tested positive for cocaine, had an estimated street value of $3.3 million.
During questioning, Perez and Castellanos gave conflicting statements about their travels and knowledge of the trailer’s contents. They also admitted to deleting messages from their phones regarding the illicit shipment. Further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Perez had been knowingly transporting the cocaine for financial gain, and Castellanos had been receiving payment for each trip.
Both men are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III on Friday for their preliminary examination. The investigation into the case is ongoing.