Laredo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo, Texas port of entry intercepted more than $5 million in marijuana Wednesday at the World Trade International Bridge.
The seizure occurred when a CBP officer referred a 1998 International tractor pulling a 2000 Stick chassis with a container being driven by a 44-year-old Mexican citizen from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. Officers conducted an intensive examination that resulted in the discovery of 164 bundles of marijuana commingled within the merchandise and weighing 5,283 pounds.
CBP officers at the cargo facility seized the tractor, chassis, trailer and the marijuana, which has an estimated street value of $5.2 million.
CBP officers arrested the driver and referred the case to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for further investigation.
"Our officers are committed to the CBP mission of securing the nation's borders while facilitating legitimate trade," said Gene Garza, port director, Laredo, Texas. "Subsequently, their hard work and dedication results in the seizure of significant bulk loads of drugs such as this one."