More than 26 kilos of cocaine hidden in a wheelchair at IAH

An alleged drug smuggler was captured at George Bush Intercontinental Airport after authorities discovered more than 26 pounds of cocaine stashed in an electric wheelchair, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Tuesday.

CBP agents discovered the cocaine in late September after noticing the wheelchair’s unusually large seat cushions. An x-ray and further inspection revealed a metal compartment that was inconsistent with the design of the wheelchair, where the medications were stored. According to the announcement, the burglary is responsible for approximately one-fifth of the total amount of cocaine seized by CBP personnel at U.S. ports of entry since February.

“CBP remains diligent in our efforts to protect our borders and keep Americans safe,” said Kayla Gonzales, CBP Acting Port Director. “Cocaine is a deadly, dangerous drug and trafficking in these poisons fuels increased violence, money laundering and other criminal activity that threatens our safety and local communities.”

The identity of the person accused of smuggling the cocaine has not been released.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 26 pounds of cocaine was valued at about $600,000 in 2010. Taking inflation into account, cocaine seized will represent more than $850,000 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The crisis comes amid an overall decline in drug seizures by Customs and Border Patrol. According to the department’s drug seizure tracker, the agency is on track to seize just over 500,000 pounds of illegal substances. That is just over half of the four-year high of £913,000 that the department reached in 2021.

It’s the latest in a cat-and-mouse game between smugglers and border guards. Drug cartels and other criminal organizations have used increasingly creative means to move their products through U.S. ports of entry. Last year, Texas Border Patrol agents seized 163 pounds of cocaine disguised in fake rocks.