U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Roma Port of Entry had quite the surprise on July 28 when they intercepted a significant haul of cocaine. During an inspection at the Roma International Bridge, over $2.8 million worth of the drug was uncovered within a seemingly innocuous shipment of soft drinks. A canine inspection first flagged the potential contraband, which led to the discovery of 73 packages containing 212.30 pounds of alleged cocaine, as reported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The result of vigilant efforts by the CBP officers. "This substantial seizure of cocaine stands as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of our officers in disrupting illegal smuggling and securing the border," Port Director Andres Guerra, Roma Port of Entry, was quoted in the CBP news release. With an estimated street value of $2,834,686, the narcotics represent a notable victory for border security efforts.
The cocaine was expertly hidden within the shipment, but specialized non-human noses were up to the task. The alert by the canine team prompted a thorough physical inspection and the subsequent discovery of the illegal cargo. The narcotics and the vehicle used in the smuggling attempt – a tractor and trailer – were seized by CBP.
