U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry recently intercepted a shipment containing a significant quantity of alleged cocaine, with an estimated street value of nearly $1 million. The narcotics were discovered at the World Trade Bridge during a routine inspection.
During a routine inspection on Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry examined a 2015 tractor-trailer declared to be carrying frozen raspberries. Using non-intrusive inspection technology and a subsequent physical search, officers discovered 32 packages containing approximately 74.6 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in the vehicle's battery compartments, according to a CBP press release.
Port Director Alberto Flores stated, "The unwavering commitment and sharp instincts of our frontline CBP officers contributed to a remarkable seizure." The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $996,114, according to CBP.
Following the seizure, CBP confiscated both the narcotics and the tractor. Homeland Security Investigations has taken over the case to determine whether the smuggling attempt is part of a larger network. Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.
