LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers seized heroin in one enforcement action that totaled over $1.3 million in street value.
“Drug smugglers will go to extreme lengths to ensure their illegal contraband avoids detection,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Fortunately, our frontline officers employ an array of high-tech tools, canines and inspections experience which helps CBP interdict dangerous drugs and aids in the prosecution of drug traffickers.”
The seizure occurred on Sunday, June 27th, at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2009 Toyota Camry for a secondary examination. The vehicle was driven by a 27-year-old female United States citizen making entry from Mexico. Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 49 packages containing 58.06 pounds of alleged heroin concealed within the vehicle.
The narcotics had an estimated street value of $1,317,000.
CBP seized the narcotics and the vehicle. The driver was arrested, and the case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
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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.