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.
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