Border officers in Texas seize more than 1.3 million dollars in drugs during two major stops in Laredo

Laredo, Texas – Federal officers in Texas stopped more than $1.3 million worth of illegal narcotics from entering the country during two separate enforcement actions that took place just one day apart at the Laredo Port of Entry. The seizures, carried out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, highlight ongoing efforts to intercept drugs moving through one of the busiest border crossings in the region.

The first seizure occurred on March 31 at the World Trade Bridge, where officers encountered a 64-year-old Mexican citizen driving a tractor-trailer. The shipment was declared as leather bags, but officers referred the vehicle for further inspection using non-intrusive equipment along with a K-9 unit. This step proved critical.

During a physical search of the trailer, officers discovered 49 packages hidden within the cargo. The packages were found to contain a total of 112.47 pounds of alleged methamphetamine. Authorities estimated the street value of the drugs at $1,034,227, making it a significant seizure in terms of both volume and value.

Second stop uncovers cocaine in passenger vehicle

The following day, on April 1, CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge conducted another inspection that led to a second major discovery. Officers encountered a 2015 Chrysler 200 driven by a 25-year-old male U.S. citizen, with a 24-year-old female passenger also in the vehicle. As with the previous case, the vehicle was referred for secondary inspection using advanced scanning equipment and a K-9 unit.

A closer search of the car revealed 10 packages concealed within the vehicle. These packages contained a total of 25.37 pounds of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $338,808. The discovery added to the total value of narcotics seized over the two-day period, pushing it well beyond $1.3 million.

In both incidents, the narcotics and the vehicles used to transport them were seized by CBP officers. The individuals involved were taken into custody. The truck driver from the first stop, along with both the driver and passenger from the second stop, were arrested by Homeland Security Investigations agents. Authorities have since launched criminal investigations into both cases.

Officials emphasized the importance of vigilance and teamwork in stopping illegal drugs from reaching communities. “These two back-to-back seizures of hard narcotics demonstrate the unwavering resolve of our officers to keep dangerous drugs out of our communities,” said Port Director Alberto Flores. “Their professionalism and attention to detail are vital to our mission, and this accomplishment highlights the outstanding work being done every day at Laredo Port of Entry.”

The back-to-back seizures underscore how quickly illegal drug trafficking attempts can occur and how coordinated enforcement efforts remain a key defense in preventing these substances from entering the country.