More than $3.2 million in crystal meth was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in two separate attempted smuggling incidents across the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge last week.
One incident involved a 40-year-old Mexican citizen crossing the bridge from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. When referred by officers for a secondary examination, canine and physical investigations turned up 36 pounds of meth, which was promptly seized, along with the vehicle. The second incident involved a U.S. citizen, 29 years old, who attempted to cross from Irving, Texas. When dogs were called and an inspection was completed, 122 pounds of meth was produced from the vehicle.
“These significant narcotic seizures are examples of the remarkable border security work our CBP officers undertake on a daily basis,” Gregory Alvarez, director of the Laredo Port of Entry, said. “Our officers remain vigilant and continue to be successful in keeping these narcotics off our streets and away from our youth.”
In both instances, the drivers were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) for investigation.