CBP Officers at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge Seize Marijuana Valued at $239,000
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Dec 3, 2009, 0 Comments
Courtesy Richard Pauza,
Laredo, Texas –U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized 239 pounds of marijuana Monday evening that resulted in the arrest of a commercial truck driver.
CBP officers arrested a 23-year-old male Mexican citizen from Nuevo Laredo , Tamaulipas and turned him over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after CBP officers discovered 239 pounds of marijuana hidden inside the commercial tractor trailer he was driving.
The seizure occurred on the evening of Monday, Dec. 1 at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge . A CBP officer referred a 1996 International tractor that was hauling a 2006 Reitnouer flatbed trailer carrying a commercial shipment of glass products for a secondary examination. A non-intrusive imaging system scan of the tractor and trailer revealed anomalies within the cab area and the flatbed’s tool box. A CBP narcotics detection dog, “Diana,” alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the same areas. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination of the cab and tool box that resulted in the discovery of 14 bundles containing 239 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $239,000.
CBP officers seized the marijuana and the commercial conveyance. ICE agents investigated the seizure and processed the driver on federal drug charges.
“Although facilitating trade while at the same time maintaining vigilance is a challenge in itself; the CBP officer in this case exercised keen observational skills that resulted in the detection of this significant marijuana load,” said Gene Garza, Port Director, Laredo, Texas. “It is always a pleasure for me as the Port Director to recognize the hard work of all our CBP officers.”
