Texas border patrol seizes over $1.5M worth of cocaine hidden in tractor trailer

CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers assigned to the World Trade Bridge seized the hard narcotics on Tuesday, according to the agency.

Cocaine with a combined street value of $1,587,777.  (CBP)

An officer inspecting automobiles on the bridge referred a 2001 Freightliner tractor-trailer manifesting polypropylene film for secondary inspection.

After a canine and a non-intrusive system examination, CBP officers found roughly 119 pounds of cocaine inside the trailer. Altogether, the narcotics had a combined street value of $1,587,777, CBP stated.

CBP seized the narcotics and the case was referred to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for additional investigation.

“This is an excellent seizure by our officers working at the CBP cargo facilities. It’s a perfect example of their unfailing vigilance in guarding our nation’s borders and protecting lawful trade and travel,” stated Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

The seizure came just days after CBP officers working the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry seized more than 1,500 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine with a street value of greater than $14.4 million between three busts along the Texas border.