$6.8 Million Cocaine Seizure at World Trade Bridge
Laredo CBP officers seized a massive cocaine shipment hidden in a flower delivery on February 10, intercepting enough of the drug to create more than 190,000 lethal doses.
Officers at the World Trade Bridge referred a tractor trailer manifesting fresh roses for secondary inspection. Using a canine unit and nonintrusive scanning equipment, they discovered 211 packages concealed within the flower shipment containing 516.76 pounds of alleged cocaine with a street value of $6,899,798.
“This substantial cocaine seizure at the World Trade Bridge highlights the steadfast dedication of our officers in safeguarding our borders and communities from the threat of illicit drug trafficking,” said Alberto Flores, Port Director at the Laredo Port of Entry. “The discovery within a shipment of roses demonstrates the vigilance and expertise of our officers.”
CBP seized the narcotics and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.
Three Fugitives Wanted for Child Sex Crimes Arrested at Texas Border
CBP officers apprehended three men over the Super Bowl weekend on outstanding warrants for child sexual abuse and assault charges.
On February 7, Rito Bueno, a 64-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo on a Bexar County warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child. The same day at Del Rio International Bridge, 19-year-old Jose Kaleb Juarez was arrested on a Ward County warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a child. On February 8, Anthony Magana Mendoza, 22, was apprehended at Anzalduas International Bridge on a Hidalgo County warrant for assault and injury to a child, elderly, or disabled individual.
“These three apprehensions in short succession highlight the critical role CBP plays in protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said Donald R. Kusser, director of Field Operations for CBP’s Laredo Field Office. “The apprehension of individuals wanted for heinous crimes, such as the sexual assault of a child or injury of a child, elderly, or disabled individual, underscores our dedication to public safety.”
All three were transferred to local custody for adjudication of their warrants.
Pittsburgh Seizes $307K in Counterfeit Designer Goods from China
CBP officers at Pittsburgh International Airport intercepted a shipment of counterfeit luxury handbags, jewelry, and scarves in December that would have cost consumers over $307,000 at retail prices.
Officers inspected a parcel arriving from China on December 1 containing counterfeit products bearing the names Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Van Cleef & Arpels. The shipment included five handbags, five scarves, three bracelets, three necklaces, and a set of earrings. CBP trade experts, working with trademark holders, verified the products were counterfeit and subject to seizure.
“Unfortunately, today’s global marketplace has provided an attractive platform for bad actors in China to export their illegal and dangerous knockoff goods to unwitting Americans,” said Jason Hamilton, CBP port director at Pittsburgh. “Make no mistake, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will resolutely protect the homeland, American consumers and businesses by intercepting these poor quality, fake goods.”
Counterfeit goods threaten consumer health and safety, steal revenues from legitimate businesses, and often fund criminal organizations. During fiscal year 2025, CBP seized over 78 million counterfeit items worth an estimated $7.3 billion at retail value.
CBP Reports Record Travel Authorizations for FIFA World Cup 2026
As preparations continue for the FIFA World Cup 2026, CBP approved over 1 million Electronic System for Travel Authorization applications from fans of the 16 qualified nations during the first quarter of fiscal 2026.
The United Kingdom led approvals with over 425,000, followed by France with 215,000, Germany with 190,000, Japan with nearly 180,000, and South Korea with over 135,000. CBP also processed over 656,000 Trusted Traveler Program applications, including Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS enrollments.
“CBP is committed to ensuring safe and lawful travel for all visitors attending the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Matthew Davies, executive director of Admissibility and Passenger Programs. “By expanding participation in our Trusted Traveler Programs and ESTA, we are helping all travelers spend less time in line and more time enjoying their experience in the United States, while maintaining strong border security.”
CBP has conducted mobile Global Entry enrollment events in Germany and Croatia, with an upcoming event scheduled for Sydney, Australia, February 23-27. Joint NEXUS enrollment events with Canada are scheduled for Seattle at Boeing Field February 23-27.
