Cauliflower shipment loaded with $53M of meth, cocaine
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers seized narcotics this weekend, that totaled over $53 million in street value.
“Attempts to smuggle contraband through commercial supply chains are increasing,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. CBP’s continued robust enforcement posture and dedication to border security operations has led us to major narcotic interdictions at our cargo facilities.”
On Nov. 12 CBP officers at the World Trade Bridge encountered a 2013 Kenworth tractor manifesting a shipment of fresh cauliflower arriving from Mexico. The tractor and the trailer were referred for a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, resulting in the discovery of 412 packages containing 2,611.15 pounds of alleged methamphetamine and 50 packages containing 113.31 pounds of alleged cocaine within the commodity. The narcotics combined had an estimated street value of $53.1 million.
CBP seized the narcotics and the case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.