CBP Officers Seize Over $2.9 Million in Cocaine at Laredo Port of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

LAREDO, TEXAS (News Release) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge and World Trade Bridge seized narcotics that totaled over $2,960,000.

“These significant cocaine seizures underscore the vigilance and enforcement focus of our frontline CBP officers at the Laredo Port of Entry,” said Alberto Flores, Port Director. “Our officers used their training, technology, and canine enforcement resources to identify and stop dangerous narcotics before they could reach our communities. We remain committed to disrupting smuggling attempts and enforcing our nation’s laws at the border.”

The first seizure occurred on Friday, Aug. 21, at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2011 Volvo tractor hauling a trailer for an enforcement inspection. Following a canine and nonintrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 80.68 pounds of alleged cocaine within the trailer. The narcotics had a street value of $1,077,357.

The second seizure occurred on Aug. 24, at the World Trade Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2007 T3 Freightliner tractor manifesting a shipment of “car parts” for a secondary enforcement inspection. Following a canine and nonintrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 141.53 pounds of alleged cocaine within the trailer. The narcotics has a street value of $1,889,791.

The narcotics combined had a street value of $2,967,148. 

CBP seized the narcotics and one trailer. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizures.