U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stationed near the Laredo Port of Entry recently seized a shipment of alleged cocaine worth approximately $365,000.
The incident occurred on Mar. 2, as agents stationed at the World Trade International Bridge in Texas referred a 2006 Wentworth tractor for a routine examination. The vehicle was driven by a 51-year old Mexican citizen from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
Utilizing a non-intrusive imaging system, along with a canine inspection team, the officers discovered 18 packages of cocaine, weighing approximately 48 pounds.
Agents arrested the driver and seized the narcotics. The driver was then turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations unit for processing.
“This was an excellent interception by our CBP officers and a great example of the layered enforcement implemented by CBP,” Laredo Port of Entry Director Gregory Alvarez said. “I congratulate our officers for their dedication which has prevented these dangerous narcotics from entering our country.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.