CBP officers seize more than $4.4 million in cocaine at World Trade Bridge

LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized cocaine valued at more than $4.4 million hidden within a tractor trailer.

“Our frontline CBP officers remain dedicated to CBP’s border security mission and that dedication and application of technology and inspection experience led to this significant cocaine seizure,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Seizures like these reflect the reality of the drug threat we face on a daily basis and our resolve to maintain a robust enforcement posture to interdict this poison and prevent it from reaching U.S. streets.”

The seizure occurred on Oct. 1 at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2022 Pinnacle tractor hauling a shipment of trailer parts for secondary inspection. Following a canine and nonintrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered 144 packages containing a total of 335.10 pounds of alleged cocaine. The narcotics have a street value of $4,474,272.

CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.