U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents found more than $18 million in methamphetamine in two separate busts in south Texas over the weekend, according to the agency.
The first incident took place on Friday, in the cargo area at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas. CBP agents were checking a shipment of cobblestones from Mexico and discovered 336 packages containing 763.32 pounds of alleged methamphetamine. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $15.3 million.
The second seizure occurred on Saturday, at Laredo’s Colombia-Solidarity Bridge cargo facility. CBP officers were checking a truck carrying auto equipment from Mexico and discovered 139.24 pounds of alleged meth. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $2.8 million.
“The upsurge of methamphetamine trafficking has become a serious international health and security threat,” said Laredo Port Director Andrew Douglas.
CBP agents have found almost $50 million in drugs concealed in tractor-trailers at the US-Mexico border since July 15.
Agents found $16 million of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of fresh broccoli from Mexico in Laredo on Aug. 4.
In July, four major drug busts totaling $33 million involving trucks from Mexico also occurred at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.
Click for more FreightWaves articles by Noi Mahoney.
More articles
Pandemic rapidly accelerating e-commerce in Mexico
FedEx Freight expanding cross-border operation in Laredo
Jockeying amid US-China trade tensions, Mexico eyes Asian investors
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now