06 Oct Another Juarez-Lincoln Drug Seizure

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $628,000 worth of cocaine during a single enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo.

The incident occurred Sept. 30 when officers referred a 2017 Nissan Rogue for secondary inspection. The vehicle was driven by a 35-year-old female Mexican citizen accompanied by a 30-year-old male U.S. citizen passenger.

Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging examination, officers discovered 18 packages hidden inside the vehicle containing 47.06 pounds of alleged cocaine, valued at an estimated $628,458.

“This seizure demonstrates the dedication and vigilance of our officers at the Laredo Port of Entry,” Port Director Albert Flores said in a statement. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection remain committed to safeguarding our communities by preventing dangerous narcotics from entering the country.”

Officers seized both the vehicle and the narcotics. The driver and passenger were arrested, and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations are leading the ongoing investigation.

While the sentencing in this case might be heavy—with both suspects facing potential multi-year federal prison terms—this $628,458 cocaine seizure at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge is only a drop in the bucket when you consider the sheer volume of illicit narcotics moving through Laredo every single year–estimated to be upwards of hundreds of millions of dollars.