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U.S. Border Patrol and Local Law Enforcement Thwart Narcotics Smuggling Attempt

Release Date
Fri, 06/19/2020

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol, with the assistance of local law enforcement, thwarts a narcotics smuggling attempt in Laredo.

The incident occurred during the evening of June 17, when agents received a report of a possible narcotic smuggling attempt inside a business northwest of Laredo. Agents responded and observed a black pickup truck leave the business and head south on Mines Road.  Agents attempted a roving patrol stop of the vehicle.  The driver failed to yield and headed south to eventually merge onto Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) southbound.

Bundles containing 294 pounds of marijuana in a joint enforcement action involving U.>S Border Patrol Laredo Sector, Air and MArine Operations, WEbb County Sheriff's Office and Laredo Police Department.
Bundles containing 294 pounds of marijuana seized in
Laredo in a joint enforcement effort involving U.S. Border
Patrol, Laredo Sector, Air and Marine Operations, Laredo
Air Branch, Webb County Sheriff's Office and Laredo
Police Department.

CBP Air and Marine Operations maintained aerial pursuit as the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department (LPD) assisted.  The vehicle exited I-35 into a nearby restaurant parking lot on San Dario Avenue.  The driver attempted to abscond from the vehicle, but was quickly apprehended by the LPD.

Agents arrived and took custody of the individual, who was from Mexico and in the country illegally.  Also seized were four bundles of marijuana that weighed approximately 294.54 pounds with an estimated street value of $235,632.  The individual, the narcotics, and the pickup truck were subsequently turned over to special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

Even with the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Laredo Sector continue to secure the nation’s borders and prevent the smuggling of drugs and individuals.

To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021