CBP officers seize more than $1.6 mln in narcotics over separate incidents

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized more than $1.6 million worth of methamphetamine and marijuana in two separate incidents.

On Feb. 3, officers assigned to the World Trade Bridge referred a 2015 Freightliner M2 truck for a more thorough secondary inspection. After a quick examination with a non-intrusive imaging system and K9 unit, CBP officers uncovered two packages containing approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, carrying an approximate street value of $548,400.

On Feb. 4, officers stationed at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge referred a 1998 International tractor trailer hauling a commercial shipment of styrofoam cups for a secondary inspection. Utilizing a non-intrusive imaging system with assistance from a K9 unit, officers discovered more than 5,400 pounds of marijuana inside the trailer, carrying an approximate street value of $1.09 million.

CBP officers seized all narcotics and the driver’s cases were promptly turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations unit for further processing.

“These seizures demonstrate how the officers’ determination, utilization of technology and canines led to the discovery of these hard narcotics,” Gregory Alvarez, port director of the Laredo Port of Entry, said. “I commend our CBP officers for their hard work and attention to detail.”