CBP Officers at World Trade Bridge Seize $428K in Marijuana in Three Seizures, One Was a FAST Shipment
Written by admin, Mar 13, 2018, Comments Off
Courtesy Diego Hernandez,
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry recently seized three significant loads of marijuana, one was a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) entry, the other two were found within shipments of cement paving stones, with a combined total street value exceeding $428,000.
“These consecutive seizures in the cargo environment, including one found in a FAST shipment, reinforce the adage, ‘trust but verify,’” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Our frontline CBP officers are doing an outstanding job in keeping our borders secure.”
The most recent seizure occurred Mar. 9 at World Trade Bridge when CBP officers referred a 2002 Freightliner tractor hauling a shipment of cement paver stones for a secondary examination. Utilizing non-intrusive imaging (NII) system and canine resources, CBP officers discovered 893 packages containing a total of 532 pounds of alleged marijuana hidden within the shipment. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $106,350.
On Thursday, Mar. 8, CBP officers at the World Trade Bridge FAST Lane referred a 2003 Freightliner tractor hauling an empty 1995 Wabash trailer for a secondary inspection. During the secondary examination, CBP officers utilizing NII systems and canines discovered packages hidden within the trailer. CBP officers discovered 347 packages containing a total of 1,070 pounds of alleged marijuana. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $213,934.
Also on Thursday, Mar. 8, CBP officers at the same bridge referred a 2002 Freightliner tractor hauling a shipment of cement paver stones for a secondary examination. Utilizing NII and canine resources, CBP officers discovered a total of 542 pounds of alleged marijuana hidden within the shipment. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $108,440.
All cases remain under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents.
