Officers seize 53 pounds cocaine found in Mercedes Benz

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HIDALGO, Texas -- A 21-year-old Mexican man was arrested when almost 53 pounds of cocaine valued at $1.7 million were found in a secret compartment in the Mercedes Benz he was driving, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Tuesday.

The seizure occurred Monday at the Hidalgo international bridge, after Customs officers saw oddities in the vehicle's undercarriage. An X-ray scan helped officers locate trap doors leading to a pair of secret compartments under the floor of the car.

Jose De Jesus Rodriguez-Delgado, of Reynosa, was arrested on drug charges and remained in federal custody Tuesday pending an appearance before a U.S. magistrate.

The vehicle, a 2004 Mercedes Benz ML500, was seized.

The seizure came two days after 49 pounds of cocaine valued at $1.6 million was found hidden in another Mercedes Benz.