CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry Seize Nearly $1.5 Million in Cocaine and Methamphetamine
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Mar 5, 2012, 0 Comments
Courtesy Richard Pauza,
LAREDO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry this weekend seized alleged cocaine and methamphetamine valued at nearly $1.5 million and apprehended a Mexican citizen who had been previously convicted of voluntary manslaughter in separate, unrelated enforcement actions.
The more recent of the two seizures occurred on Feb. 26, 2012 during a routine examination at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge . A CBP officer referred a 2003 Toyota Tundra driven by a 32-year-old male U.S. citizen from Duncanville , Texas for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the vehicle. An intensive examination yielded four packages containing a total of 21 pounds of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the vehicle. The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $317,520.
The larger of the two seizures occurred on Feb. 24, 2012 at the same bridge. A CBP officer referred a 2006 BMW X3 carrying a 31-year-old female Mexican citizen from Coyoacan, Distrito Federal , Mexico for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the vehicle. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination and discovered 16 bundles containing a total of 36.5 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $1.1 million.
CBP officers turned both individuals over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
In addition to narcotics seizures, CBP officers detected a significant immigration violation. CBP officers on Feb. 25 at Gateway to the Americas Bridge discovered that a 61-year-old male Mexican citizen taxicab passenger applying for admission to the U.S. had a previous conviction for voluntary manslaughter and was facing deportation proceedings. CBP officers determined he was inadmissible to the U.S. and he was taken into custody in connection with the immigration violation.
“Our officers seized two significant loads of alleged narcotics this weekend and also detected a significant immigration law violation,” said Sidney Aki, CBP Port Director, Laredo . “All of this enforcement activity illustrates CBP’s commitment to securing our borders.”
