CBP Officers Intercept $783K in Marijuana at World Trade Bridge
Written by admin, May 21, 2019, 0 Comments
Courtesy Richard Pauza,
LAREDO, Texas – As Laredo edges closer toward searing summer temperatures, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers maintained strict vigilance in its border security posture and seized a total of more than $783,000 in marijuana in a single enforcement action at World Trade Bridge.
“Amid balmy, summer-like weather, our frontline CBP officers maintain an effective balance between security and facilitation and seized a significant amount of narcotics,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Large seizures like this one underscore the seriousness of the drug threat our officers face on a daily basis and reaffirm our resolve to keep our border communities safe and secure.”
The seizure occurred on Friday, May 17 at the World Trade Bridge after a 1996 Freightliner tractor hauling a manifested shipment of circuit breakers was referred for a secondary examination. Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, CBP officers discovered 165 bundles containing a total of 3,918 pounds of alleged marijuana hidden within the conveyance. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $783,426.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and the case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
