US Customs and Border Protection reports increase in unreported currency, cocaine seized in South Texas in fiscal year 2017

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported on Wednesday significant increases in seizures of cocaine and unreported currency at eight South Texas ports of entry in fiscal year (FY) 2017 as compared to FY2016.

CBP officers at the eight ports of entry from Brownsville to Del Rio that comprise the Laredo Field Office seized significantly more cocaine and unreported currency in fiscal year (FY) 2017 as compared to FY2016.

Officers at the South Texas ports seized 7,375 pounds of cocaine, a 25 percent increase from FY2016, and $6.6 million in unreported currency, a 77 percent increase from FY2016.

CBP officers and agriculture specialists also seized large amounts of other narcotics and false documents and discovered numerous immigration and agricultural violations during FY2017.

Officers at the Laredo Field Office seized 156,452 pounds of narcotics with an estimated street value of $216 million. They seized 140,781 pounds of marijuana, 7,560 pounds of methamphetamine, 735 pounds of heroin. Additionally, officers seized 118 firearms and 48,663 rounds of ammunition.

49,605 non-U.S. citizens were inadmissible to the U.S. due to violations of immigration law at Laredo Field Office ports of entry in FY 2017.

“Amid significant port infrastructure improvement projects at multiple locations, our officers continue to realize our border security mission while facilitating lawful trade and travel at Laredo Field Office ports of entry and treating travelers with dignity, professionalism, and respect,” David P. Higgerson, director of field operations at Laredo Field Office, said.