Officers Seize 2 Tons of Marijuana in Less than 6 Hours at World Trade Bridge

January 15, 2010 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo port of entry seized nearly two tons of marijuana at World Trade Bridge. The total estimated street value for the narcotics seized is listed at almost $4 million.

The first seizure occurred on Wednesday, January 13, when a commercial shipment of furniture and clay pots in a Wabash trailer arrived for processing. CBP officers referred the shipment for intensive inspection.

A non-intrusive scan revealed anomalies within the merchandise. A CBP narcotics detection dog, “Eustuka,” assisted CBP officers by alerting to the odor of narcotics emanating from the shipment of chairs and pottery. A total of 997 bundles containing marijuana were removed from within the clay pots and pieces of furniture. The marijuana weighed approximately 2,674 pounds and is valued at $2.6 million.

The second seizure occurred just six hours later at the same bridge when a shipment of pharmaceuticals was referred for an X-ray scan that resulted in the detection of anomalies within the trailer that was hauling it. CBP officers probed the shipment and discovered 54 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 1,256 pounds and valued at $1.2 million.

Although there were no immediate arrests in these cases, investigations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents remain ongoing. CBP officers seized the two tractors and trailers hauling the narcotics.

“The CBP officers at World Trade Bridge have started out the year with significant results in detecting illegal contraband. Less than two weeks ago, CBP also seized almost two tons of marijuana,” said Gene Garza, CBP port director, Laredo. “CBP fully understands the importance of facilitating legitimate cargo that is processed at commercial crossings daily. The balance that is exercised by CBP officers in facilitating lawful commerce while intercepting significant loads of contraband is what makes their work truly admirable.”