LAREDO, TX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at two Texas ports of entry seized more than $584,000 worth of cocaine in separate enforcement actions last weekend.
At the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, officers seized over $370,000 in cocaine on May 28. The seizure occurred when a CBP officer referred a 2010 BMW driven by a 45-year-old U.S. citizen for secondary inspection. Utilizing a “non-intrusive” inspection system and CBP canines, officers discovered 16 packages containing nearly 28 pounds of cocaine concealed within the vehicle. The estimated street value of the narcotics was $370,893.
“Our officers in the passenger vehicle environment continue to exercise great vigilance and their determination and effective use of technology and canines helped zero in on this cocaine load,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “These kinds of seizures illustrate CBP’s commitment to advancing its priority border security mission.”
Packages containing nearly 28 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at the Laredo Port of Entry.
In a separate bust at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, officers seized over $214,000 in cocaine on May 25. A 2012 Buick Enclave driven by a 43-year-old Mexican citizen was referred for secondary inspection. CBP officers, again using a non-intrusive inspection system and canines discovered seven packages containing 16.04 pounds of cocaine within the vehicle’s rear quarter panels. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $214,294.
“Securing the passenger environment is a critical mission for CBP and this cocaine seizure underscores the need for our officers to stay ever-vigilant and aware of the narcotics threat while facilitating lawful travel,” said Port Director Pete Beattie, Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
Packages containing 16 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
In both cases, CBP seized the narcotics and vehicles. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the drivers and initiated criminal investigations.
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