LAREDO, Texas — US Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Laredo Port of Entry seized more than $3 million in alleged cocaine in a commercial truck containing papier-mâché handicrafts.
“Our frontline officers continue to maintain strict vigilance in the commercial truck environment and their effective utilization of training, inspections experience and technology successfully prevented a significant load of cocaine from ever reaching US streets,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
On April 8, 2022, a CBP officer assigned to the World Trade Bridge encountered a tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico hauling a shipment of papier-mâché of glass handicrafts and referred it for secondary examination. After conducting a thorough secondary examination, which included utilization of non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment, CBP officers discovered 101 packages containing a total of 427 pounds (193.8 kg) of alleged cocaine concealed within the conveyance. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $3.2 million.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents remains ongoing.