Laredo, Texas –U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry delivered a one-two punch to narcotics smuggling efforts this weekend by seizing $2.5 million in cocaine, heroin in two separate enforcement actions.
“These two back-to-back hard narcotics seizures exemplify the dedication of our officers and illustrate the seriousness of the drug threat we face every day,” said Acting Port Director Joseph Misenhelter, Laredo Port of Entry.
Bundles containing 48 pounds of cocaine were seized by CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry.
The first seizure occurred on Oct. 24 at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge when CBP officers referred a 2004 GMC Sierra pickup for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers discovered 20 bundles containing a total of 48 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle. The estimated street value for the narcotics is $1.5 million. CBP officers arrested the driver and passenger, 27- and 35-year-old male Mexican citizens from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Bundles containing 34 pounds of heroin seized recently by CBP officers in Laredo.
The second seizure occurred on Oct. 25 at Gateway to the Americas Bridge when CBP officers referred a 2004 Honda Odyssey driven by a 20-year-old U.S. citizen from Omaha, Nebraska for a secondary examination. Upon further examination, CBP officers discovered 23 packages containing 34 pounds of alleged heroin hidden within the vehicle. The heroin has an estimated street value of $1 million. CBP officers arrested the driver.
CBP officers seized narcotics, vehicles, and turned all three subjects over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
CBP Field Operations at Laredo Port of Entry is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.