BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered approximately 121 pounds of heroin and eight pounds of cocaine in a shipping container of vegetables that was moving from Ecuador to Miami, FL through the Red Hook Container Terminal in Brooklyn, N.Y.
CBP Officers Seize Approximately 121 Pounds of Heroin and 8 Pounds of Cocaine
On January 7, during a routine container inspection, CBP K-9 officers discovered 257 boxes that contained a combined 970 packages that contained a light brown powdery substance. A field test of the substance proved positive for heroin. CBP officers also discovered 58 packages containing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.
In total, approximately 121 lbs. of heroin with an estimated street value of more than $3,500,000, and approximately 8 lbs. of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $135,000 was seized.
CBP officers seized the illicit drugs and turned them over to agents from Homeland Security Investigations. No arrests have been made, and the investigation will continue.
“This is a significant seizure,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, New York Field Operations. “The ongoing partnership between CBP and HSI continues to produce results that protect the American public. This intercept prevents a large quantity of drugs from getting to the streets and in the hands of our children.”
CBP routinely works with its partner federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to intercept dangerous drugs before they can reach our communities. It deploys the government’s largest law enforcement work force, including air and marine assets, to protect our citizens at and between ports of entry.