U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge seized methamphetamine with a street value of over $1,000,000. The incident occurred on April 14 when a CBP officer at the bridge referred a 65-year-old Mexican citizen for secondary inspection. The individual was driving a 2005 Town and Country Chrysler van.
Upon further inspection, which included a canine and nonintrusive examination, officers discovered 28 packages, totaling 115.52 pounds, of what is alleged to be methamphetamine inside the driver's personal belongings. The narcotics are valued at $1,062,252.
CBP seized both the drugs and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and have started a criminal investigation.
Port Director Alberto Flores spoke on the incident: “Frontline CBP officers at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge demonstrated exceptional effort in successfully disrupting this drug smuggling attempt. This drug bust is a prime example of the efficient targeting strategies utilized in the passenger environment to help combat the flow of dangerous narcotics seeping into our communities.”
CBP plays a critical role in securing the nation's borders with over 65,000 personnel. The agency aims to facilitate safe and lawful travel and trade while ensuring the country's economic prosperity and enhancing national security.
Readers can follow updates from the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on social media, including X at @DFOLaredo and Instagram at @dfolaredo. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can also be followed at @CBPSouthTexas for ongoing news and stories.
