Large Methamphetamine Seizures in Texas
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Texas recently confiscated over 9,000 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at more than $80 million, during four separate incidents in June. These successes in stopping cartel smuggling attempts occurred in Laredo, El Paso, and Pharr.
During the holiday on June 19, two significant raids resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine worth over $72.3 million as smugglers attempted to enter through two South Texas ports of entry. The largest seizure happened at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. There, CBP officers selected a 2011 Dodge Ram stakebed truck for a secondary inspection, supposedly carrying a load labeled “polypropylene.”
Using non-invasive inspection methods, a canine team searched the vehicle. Further inspections revealed more than 7,000 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at over $63 million, cleverly concealed among other cargo meant for entry into the U.S.
The second incident on that same day took place at the Farr International Bridge. Officers inspected a tractor-trailer trying to cross from Reynosa, Tamaulipas. When they examined the vehicle, anomalies were detected via non-intrusive inspection tools, leading them to physically search the trailer.
They discovered 193 packages, weighing over 1,000 pounds total, which were thought to contain methamphetamine. The estimated street value of this batch exceeded $9 million.
Additionally, on June 15, CBP officers at the Laredo port intercepted a smuggler who was attempting to bring over 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine into the country. The estimated value of this seizure was more than $10.1 million, found hidden within a 2013 Volvo semi-tractor also marked “polypropylene.”
Then, a few days later, on June 18, officers at the Paso del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso apprehended a woman from New Mexico suspected of carrying nearly 60 pounds of illegal methamphetamine. The estimated value of these drugs amounted to $521,100, discovered during a thorough search of her black SUV.
Ray Provencio, the CBP El Paso Field Operations Director, commented on the significance of these arrests, stating, “CBP officers use their experience and advanced technology to stay one step ahead of smugglers. Their dedication and vigilance play a critical role in protecting our communities from the threats posed by illegal drugs.”
Recent reports indicate that drug seizures nationwide have been on the rise, while arrests of illegal immigrants along the Southwest border have remained under 10,000 per month. With fewer illegal crossings, CBP and U.S. Border Patrol are able to enhance their counter-narcotics efforts.
