US Customs and Border Protection officers in Texas have seized nearly 90 pounds of hard narcotics with an estimated street value of more than $690,000, the agency said.
Border Patrol officers and Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers seized 32 packages containing nearly 90 pounds of alleged cocaine, CBP said in a news release on Friday.
“Attempts to smuggle contraband through commercial supply chains are increasing,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Our continued dedication to maintaining a robust border security operations posture has led us to major narcotic interdictions at our cargo facilities.”
CBP officers encountered a 2003 Freightliner tractor which appeared to contain a shipment of air conditioner parts arriving from Mexico, the release said.
The tractor and trailer were referred for a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, during which the narcotics were discovered, according to the release.
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $691,560, CBP said, adding officers seized the narcotics and the trailer.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure, officials said.