LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized more than $1.1 million worth of cocaine in two separate incidents last month, according to the agency.
Laredo Port Director Alberto Flores said the seizures show the dedication and vigilance of CBP officers working to keep dangerous narcotics out of the country. Flores credited advanced technology, canine teams, and the commitment of CBP personnel for disrupting the flow of illegal drugs and protecting local communities.
The first seizure happened Monday, July 20, at the World Trade Bridge. A CBP officer referred a 31-year-old Mexican man driving a 2017 Kenworth tractor hauling bell peppers for further inspection. A canine team and a non-intrusive inspection system turned up 16 packages hidden in the tractor, containing 37.69 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The second seizure followed two days later, on Wednesday, July 22, at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. Officers referred a 37-year-old Mexican woman driving a 2018 Kia Sportage for secondary inspection. The same combination of canine detection and non-intrusive inspection technology uncovered 22 packages in the vehicle, containing 50.37 pounds of alleged cocaine.
Combined, the narcotics from both seizures carried a street value of $1,175,967, according to CBP. Officers seized the drugs along with the vehicle and tractor involved, and both drivers were arrested. Homeland Security Investigations is now handling the cases.
CBP said the seizures reflect the Trump administration’s border security priorities under DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, with the agency crediting its enforcement efforts with keeping criminal actors, weapons, and illicit narcotics from reaching American communities.
