CBP Officers Seize More Than $1.6 Million in Narcotics at the Laredo Port of Entry

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized a significant amount of alleged marijuana, cocaine and heroin at Laredo Port of Entry.

“Our CBP officers continue to demonstrate a strong enforcement posture,” said Port Director Gregory Alvarez, Laredo Port of Entry.  “With three significant seizures in one week, the Port of Laredo continues to keep the security of our nation strong.”

The first incident occurred on Wednesday, Aug. 24, when a CBP officer at World Trade Bridge referred a tractor trailer hauling a commercial shipment of wooden furniture for a non-intrusive inspection.  A canine and non-intrusive inspection by CBP officers resulted in the discovery of 10 packages allegedly containing 24 pounds of heroin and 45 packages allegedly containing 106 pounds of cocaine.

The second incident occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 23, during an inspection of a rail car at the international rail bridge. A canine and a non-intrusive inspection by CBP officers resulted in the discovery of 15 packages allegedly containing 41 pounds of marijuana.

The third incident occurred on Monday, Aug. 22, when a CBP officer at World Trade Bridge referred a tractor trailer hauling a commercial shipment of charcoal for a non-intrusive inspection. A canine and non-intrusive inspection by CBP officers resulted in the discovery of 6,814 packages allegedly containing 1,165 pounds of marijuana.

The narcotics combined carry an estimated street value of $1,623,091.

CBP officers seized the narcotics. The cases were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.