CBP intercepts $25M narcotic shipment

Laredo Port of Entry Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently executed a narcotics interception effort yielding hard narcotics with an estimated street value of more than $25 million.

Authorities indicated the seizure occurred at the World Trade Bridge when an officer referred a 2020 International trailer hauling a shipment of stone tile for a secondary examination. A canine and non-intrusive imaging system examination led to the discovery of 579.37 pounds of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the shipment.

“This seizure was an enforcement action against transnational criminal organizations that exemplifies the vigilance and dedication our officers practice daily to stop the scourge of hard narcotics from infiltrating our communities,” Port Director Gregory Alvarez, Laredo Port of Entry, said.

The driver was a 45-year-old male Mexican citizen, traveling from Jalisco, Mexico, to Los Angeles, Calif. He was arrested, CBP seized the narcotics and trailer, and the case was forwarded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation, per officials.

CBP, within the Department of Homeland Security, is charged with the management, control, and protection of the nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry – enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.