Laredo, TX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $1.1 million worth of alleged cocaine during two separate inspections at the Laredo Port of Entry.
According to CBP, the two seizures resulted in the discovery of a combined 88.06 pounds of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of $1,175,967.
The first seizure occurred July 20 at the World Trade Bridge. A CBP officer referred a 31-year-old Mexican man driving a 2017 Kenworth tractor hauling a shipment of bell peppers for additional inspection.
Following canine and non-intrusive inspections, officers discovered 16 packages containing approximately 37.69 pounds of alleged cocaine concealed within the tractor.
The second seizure occurred July 22 at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, where a 37-year-old Mexican woman driving a 2018 Kia Sportage was referred for secondary inspection.
CBP said canine and non-intrusive inspections led officers to 22 packages containing approximately 50.37 pounds of alleged cocaine inside the vehicle.
Authorities seized the narcotics, one vehicle and the tractor. Both drivers were arrested, and Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the cases.