U.S. Customs and Border Protection
LAREDO, TEXAS (News Release) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced major enforcement results from Operation Southern Surge, a coordinated Homeland Security Task Force initiative targeting drug trafficking and other cross-border criminal activity.
CBP, HSI, DEA, USAO in Coordination with the Homeland Security Task Force Tout Successes of Major Drug, Weapons and Cash Seizures in Operation Southern Surge.
At a Nov. 2 press conference at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge, officials highlighted the operation’s early results and reaffirmed their commitment to stopping dangerous narcotics, weapons, and illicit proceeds before they reach American communities.
CBP Officials search luggage in support of Operation Southern Surge.
Since Oct. 19, Operation Southern Surge has resulted in the seizure of more than 1,600 pounds of narcotics, 15 firearms, more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, and over $360,000 in illicit currency. These enforcement actions have also led to 89 arrests.
Among the significant enforcement actions under Operation Southern Surge are:
Juarez-Lincoln Bridge - CBP officers recently referred a vehicle for secondary inspection. Using nonintrusive inspection technology and their training and experience, an anomaly was detected and officers discovered 49.3 pounds of cocaine concealed in 20 packages.
The officials present at the news conference reiterated that these numbers represent more than enforcement statistics and further reflect the commitment of CBP personnel and law enforcement partners to stop dangerous drugs, weapons, and criminal proceeds from entering our communities.
“Operation Southern Surge leverages tactical intelligence and coordinated enforcement actions to dismantle the trafficking infrastructure, intercept illicit supply chains, and bolster situational awareness across the southwest border,” said Director Jennifer De La O of the Laredo Field Office, Office of Field Operations. “International drug trafficking presents a direct threat to U.S. national security, public safety and economic stability and our partnerships are a force multiplier in detecting these crimes and protecting the public.”
“Securing the border requires more than making seizures or stopping a single smuggling attempt. HSI’s role is to follow the evidence, identify the people behind these crimes, and dismantle the organizations moving drugs, weapons, money, and people across the border,” said Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Charles Kerby, HSI Laredo. “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, we are working closely with CBP, DEA, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners to hold these criminal networks accountable and protect communities across the country.”
Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the dedicated men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, alongside our law enforcement partners and with the support of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), are combating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and drug trafficking networks.
The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership that coordinates law enforcement efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute these organizations and the crimes they commit in the United States and abroad. The HSTF prioritizes combating child trafficking and other crimes involving children, while supporting efforts to investigate, prosecute, and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
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