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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the Laredo Port of Entry have intercepted a significant shipment of cocaine, valued at approximately $6.8 million. This seizure, equating to around 190,000 potentially lethal doses, was announced in a recent press release.
The narcotics were discovered in a truck transporting flowers across the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas, this past Tuesday. The vehicle, a 2018 T3 International tractor-trailer, was initially flagged for a detailed examination by a CBP officer due to its cargo manifest, which listed “roses/fresh flowers.”
Upon further inspection, which included the use of canine units and advanced non-intrusive technology, officers uncovered 211 packages. These packages contained a total of 516.76 pounds of suspected cocaine.
In total, CBP officials confiscated 516 pounds of the alleged cocaine, cleverly concealed amidst roses and other floral arrangements at the Laredo World Trade Bridge border crossing.
CBP officers seized 516 pounds of alleged cocaine worth $6.8 million hidden in roses and other flowers at Laredo’s World Trade Bridge border crossing. (CBP)
Laredo Port of Entry director Alberto Flores said in the release the “substantial” seizure “highlights the steadfast dedication of our officers in safeguarding our borders and communities from the threat of illicit drug trafficking.”
“The discovery within a shipment of roses demonstrates the vigilance and expertise of our officers,” said Flores.
He added, “Their commitment to the mission reflects the high standards of service CBP upholds, and their actions continue to make a meaningful impact in protecting our nation.”
“Their commitment to the mission reflects the high standards of service CBP upholds, and their actions continue to make a meaningful impact in protecting our nation,” said Flores. (Cheney Orr/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The World Trade International Bridge connects the United States and Mexico over the Rio Grande between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure.
Over the Super Bowl weekend, a fugitive was apprehended at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo.
Over the Super Bowl weekend, a fugitive was apprehended at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo. (Getty Images)
A CBP officer requested a secondary examination for a 64-year-old male, Rito Bueno, matching him to an arrest warrant.
“Bueno has been wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child,” read a press release at the time.
Bueno was transported to Webb County jail in Laredo for adjudication of the warrant.
Fox News Digital reached out to CBP for additional comment.