CBP officers seize $1.3 million in marijuana, cocaine at Laredo Port of Entry

Mass amounts of marijuana and cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $1.3 million were recently intercepted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry in two separate seizures.

On Saturday, CBP officers found 53 pounds of cocaine hidden on a passenger bus. After an officer referred the bus for non-intrusive inspection, the non-intrusive imaging system, canines, and physical inspection were used to uncover the alleged contraband, CBP reported.

“Our CBP officers face many challenges daily while facilitating lawful trade,” Alberto Flores, a port director at the Laredo Port of Entry, said. “CBP’s layers of enforcement such as the non-intrusive imaging system, canine, and the officer’s experience play an important role in the intercepting of these dangerous narcotics.”

On Nov. 29, 4,739 pounds of marijuana was found hidden in a tractor-trailer at World Trade Bridge. A CBP officer referred the tractor-trailer, which was hauling frozen avocado pulp, for secondary inspection. The non-intrusive imaging system and canines were used to uncover the marijuana, which was bundled into 3,003 individual packages.

Both cases were referred to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.