BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Houston man was arrested in Brownsville after he was caught entering the U.S. with nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine, authorities allege.
Victor Azua was arrested on a charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, according to federal records.
A criminal complaint stated that Azua attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico on Sunday via the Gateway International Bridge.
According to the complaint, Azua was driving a blue 2009 Chrysler Town & Country when he was referred for a secondary inspection for “displaying nervous behavior.”
Additionally, authorities said his purpose of travelling to Mexico was inconsistent and there was a single key in the ignition switch of the van, which the complaint states is consistent with drug smuggling trends.
The vehicle was X-rayed, which showed a foreign object was in the tank area.
The vehicle was further inspected and a K-9 officer alerted officers to the floorboard of the van, directly over the gas tank.
Contractors removed the gas tank, which led to the discovery of 45 packages of a crystallized substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. In total, the packages weighed 48.7 pounds.
Azua made his initial appearance in court on Monday and has a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday. He remains held without bond.
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