LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Laredo Port of Entry seized more than $3 million in alleged cocaine in a commercial truck containing papier-mâché handicrafts.
“Our frontline officers continue to maintain strict vigilance in the commercial truck environment and their effective utilization of training, inspections experience and technology successfully prevented a significant load of cocaine from ever reaching U.S. streets,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
CBP officers at World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas.
On April 8, 2022, a CBP officer assigned to the World Trade Bridge encountered a tractor trailer arriving from Mexico hauling a shipment of papier-mâché of glass handicrafts and referred it for secondary examination. After conducting a thorough secondary examination, which included utilization of non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment, CBP officers discovered 101 packages containing a total of 427 pounds (193.8 kg) of alleged cocaine concealed within the conveyance. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $3.2 million.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents remains ongoing.
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