More than 26 pounds of cocaine in hidden wheelchair compartment seized from Bush airport – Houston Public Media

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

12 kilos, or roughly 26 pounds of cocaine located in a hidden compartment of a wheelchair were seized at the George Bush Intercontinental airport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on Wednesday.

The smuggling attempt happened in late September, when the attempted smuggler’s motorized wheelchair went under x-ray examination because of unusually large cushions attached to the frame.

X-ray scans revealed a metal compartment within the back rest and seat cushions containing 11 packages. The compartment was inconsistent with the frame of the wheelchair, and didn’t appear to be factory made, according to the agency. Customs K9s detected narcotics in the cushions and lab tests confirmed the packages contained Cocaine Hydrochloride.

Transportation Security Administration officers screen parts of wheelchairs and scooters like seat cushions and any non-removable pouches or fanny packs. Items are tested for traces of explosives and removable parts undergo x-ray screening, according to the administration.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

“CBP remains diligent in our efforts to protect our borders and keep Americans safe,” Kayla Gonzalez, CBP acting Area Port Director said in a statement.

“Cocaine is a deadly, dangerous drug and the trafficking of these poisons leads to increased violence, money laundering and other criminal activity that threatens our safety and local communities,” Gonzalez said.

In August, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana seizures across the nation increased 31 percent from July. That included a 113 percent  increase in seizures of cocaine and an 84 percent increase of methamphetamine from July to August.

But by the end of 2024, the agency is on track to see a significantly lower amount of drug seizures by weight over the past few years. There have been more than 498,000 pounds of drugs seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection this year. That’s compared to nearly 550,000 pounds last year, and a whopping 913,000 pounds in 2021, according to the agency’s drug seizure statistics.

“DEA and other law enforcement throughout the United States have seen increased seizures and overdose cases involving cocaine mixed with fentanyl,” according to an agency press release.

In the agency’s 2024 fiscal year, more than 60 kilograms, or 132 pounds of cocaine have been seized between Ports of Entry.

The incident is still under investigation by Homeland Security.