U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and agriculture specialists stationed along eight different South Texas ports of entry seized a series of shipments containing a large amount of narcotics, currency, false documents, while uncovering numerous agricultural violations over the course of FY2016.
During the fiscal year, which lasted from Oct. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016, CBP officers in South Texas seized approximately 158,000 pounds of narcotics that were worth approximately $188 million on the street. In total, 144,483 pounds of marijuana, 5,877 pounds of cocaine, 6,728 pounds of methamphetamine, and 859 pounds of heroin were seized. Additionally, $3.8 million in undeclared currency, 70 firearms and 25,278 rounds of ammunition were also discovered.
“Our frontline CBP officers carried out a robust amount of enforcement activity in FY 2016 and we have seen a significant increase in the amount of methamphetamine seized,” David P. Higgerson, director of field operations at the Laredo Field Office, said.
In addition to to seized narcotics, ammunition, and undeclared currency, the agency said a total of 68,027 non-U.S. citizens were deemed inadmissible to the United States due to violations of immigration law, which represented an increase of 38 percent over the previous fiscal year.
“Our officers continue to advance the CBP mission by upholding the agency’s commitment to border security while facilitating the processing of lawful trade and travel at South Texas ports of entry and treating travelers with dignity, professionalism and respect,” Higgerson said.