U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry intercepted more than $3.7 million worth of narcotics during multiple seizures over the weekend, officials announced.
The largest bust occurred September 19 at the World Trade Bridge when officers discovered 74.78 pounds of fentanyl, valued at $1.7 million, concealed in a commercial vehicle driven by a 39-year-old Mexican citizen. The drugs were uncovered during a canine and non-intrusive inspection, CBP’s official statement said.
Later that day, officers seized an additional 45.37 pounds of fentanyl and just over a pound of cocaine from a vehicle driven by a 46-year-old Mexican citizen. The combined value of that load was estimated at $1.07 million.
A third interception the same day involved a 48-year-old Mexican citizen driving a 2005 Kenworth tractor. Inspectors discovered 37.12 pounds of cocaine and a small amount of fentanyl, worth nearly $500,000.
The final seizure occurred September 21 at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. Officers referred a 31-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2014 Dodge Ram for a secondary inspection, which revealed 14.55 pounds of heroin and 4.58 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at $405,165.
In total, the four incidents netted narcotics with an estimated street value of $3,724,377. All suspects were arrested, and the vehicles and drugs were confiscated. Homeland Security Investigations is leading the follow-up investigation.
“These seizures underscore the unwavering commitment of our officers to protect our communities from dangerous drugs,” said Laredo Port Director Alberto Flores.
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