Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities have announced the seizure of six and a half tons of methamphetamines, which were found in the trailer of a truck coming from Mexico. This marks the largest drug seizure in this border area, with an estimated value of $117.1 million.
The confiscation took place on Sunday, February 18, at the Camino Real International Bridge (International Bridge No. II) between Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass. However, it is only now that U.S. authorities have disclosed what has been described as the largest drug seizure at a border crossing.
"This gigantic seizure of methamphetamine, the largest ever stopped by CBP officers at a port of entry, uniquely illustrates the serious narcotics threat our officers face daily and their effectiveness in using our law enforcement technological tools, knowledge, and experience to zero in on these threats," said Donald Kusser, Director of Field Operations in Laredo.
He emphasized that this seizure exemplifies the officers' strong commitment to promoting CBP's top-priority mission of border security while facilitating legal trade and travel.
In a statement, CBP revealed that last Sunday, a CBP officer referred a truck with a trailer claiming to carry a load of desiccant for piglets for a secondary inspection. A canine examination and non-intrusive inspection system were performed.
CBP officers discovered a total of nearly 13,101 pounds of alleged methamphetamine inside the transport. They noted that the street value of this narcotic is $117.1 million (equivalent to two billion pesos, based on the current exchange rate).
U.S. authorities detailed that CBP agents confiscated the narcotics, and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the seizure.
"For too long, drug trafficking organizations have been collecting billions of dollars at the expense of our communities devastated by addiction, death, and despair as a result of these poisonous substances," said Mark Dawson, Special Agent from the Department of Homeland Security.
It is also mentioned that thanks to excellent teamwork among the investigative departments of Homeland Security in Houston, Eagle Pass, and Mexico City, as well as their partners from Customs and Border Protection, they have prevented a record amount of these narcotics from reaching Houston, where they could have destroyed countless lives.