The U. S. Customs and Border Protection – CBP and Office of Field Operations – OFO officers prevented 145 pounds (close to 66 kg) of cocaine to enter the U.S. from Mexico on the World Trade Bridge. The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at $1.9 million.
The World Trade Bridge is one of four international bridges in Loredo, Texas, over the Rio Grande, connecting Texas and Mexico. This 14-lane, 977 feet long bridge is the commercial-only crossing point. More than 60% of commercial vehicles crossing the border between the U.S. and Mexico use this transition.
Despite the high frequency of traffic at this crossing, The U. S. Customs and Border Protection – CBP, Office of Field Operations – OFO officers seized 145.54 pounds of cocaine on Saturday, February 25.
The CBP officer spotted a 2010 Freightliner tractor-trailer hauling furniture entering the U.S. He immediately suspected that this vehicle in its commercial shipment of wooden sofas carries concealed illegal goods. The officer sent the 2010 Freightliner tractor-trailer for a secondary inspection.
Secondary inspection is an examination by a canine and a non-invasive inspection system. In this procedure, 66 kg of alleged cocaine was discovered. The drug was packed in blocks, similar to bricks, packaging used by cocaine smugglers. The drugs were hidden in wooden sofas within the trailer.
The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $1,943,364.
The Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry stated „Officers in the cargo environment interdicted and seized millions worth in alleged cocaine this weekend. CBP remains committed to its border security mission while effectively facilitating lawful trade and travel.”
The SBP arrested the driver and confiscated the drugs and the tractor-trailer. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents have taken over the further investigation of this case.
The efforts of CBP officers were rewarded with the seizure of 145 pounds of cocaine and the prevention of this drug to enter U.S. streets, potentially killing thousands of young souls.
