U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized more than $557,000 worth of heroin during an inspection at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge over the weekend. The incident occurred on September 14, when a 63-year-old Mexican citizen arrived from Mexico driving a 2008 Chrysler Voyager.
CBP officers referred the vehicle for a secondary examination. During this process, they used nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team to search the vehicle. Officers discovered 12 packages of suspected heroin hidden inside, with a total weight of 29.05 pounds (13.18 kilograms). The estimated street value of the narcotics is $557,237.
Following the discovery, CBP officers seized both the drugs and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and began a criminal investigation.
Port Director Alberto Flores commented on the seizure: “Our frontline CBP officers continue to apply their inspection skills together with the latest technology, and that combination yielded this significant hard narcotics interception,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Seizures like these exemplify our steadfast commitment to CBP’s border security mission.”
CBP is responsible for enforcing lawful travel and trade while protecting America’s borders through innovation and collaboration.
