Border Agents Seize $3.2 Million in Cocaine Hidden in Papier-mâché Handicrafts

 

LAREDO—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Laredo Port of Entry seized more than $3 million in alleged cocaine in a commercial truck containing papier-mâché handicrafts.

“Our frontline officers continue to maintain strict vigilance in the commercial truck environment and their effective utilization of training, inspections experience and technology successfully prevented a significant load of cocaine from ever reaching U.S. streets,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

427 Pounds of Cocaine Seized in Laredo (Contributed/CBP)

427 Pounds of Cocaine Seized in Laredo (Contributed/CBP)

On April 8, 2022, a CBP officer assigned to the World Trade Bridge encountered a tractor trailer arriving from Mexico hauling a shipment of papier-mâché of glass handicrafts and referred it for secondary examination. After conducting a thorough secondary examination, which included utilization of non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment, CBP officers discovered 101 packages containing a total of 427 pounds (193.8 kg) of alleged cocaine concealed within the conveyance. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $3.2 million.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics and an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents remains ongoing.

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