NYC man accused of smuggling heroin pellets inside socks

HIDALGO — A New York City man allegedly attempted to sneak heroin pellets across the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge by stuffing them inside his socks, authorities said.

Gensy Parra Vargas, 23, was traveling into the United States on Thursday via a Mexican taxi when U.S. customs officers discovered the drug stash, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

During a secondary inspection, officers found 15 pellets of Mexican brown heroin inside his socks. The drugs weighed about 117 grams, or about a quarter of a pound, and have an estimated street value of close to $21,000.

Customs officers arrested Parra Vargas on federal drug charges and later transferred him to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who are investigating the case. The man remains incarcerated pending an appearance before a U.S. magistrate.

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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor.She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.