Officials Uncover Over $35 Million Worth of Methamphetamine in Strawberry Purée Shipment; Albert Flores Comments
LAREDO, TX - A massive drug bust was recently made at the Laredo Port of Entry in Texas. On April 12, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) uncovered over $35 million in alleged methamphetamine hidden within a commercial truck containing strawberry purée.
“This mammoth seizure of methamphetamine underscores the reality of the drug threat we face at the port of entry and the determination of our frontline officers to apply the latest inspections technology coupled with officer experience to keep our border secure,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
At the time of this bust, a CBP officer assigned to the World Trade Bridge encountered a tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico and referred it for a secondary examination.
After conducting a thorough secondary examination, CBP officers discovered 158 packages containing a total of nearly 1,761 lbs of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the shipment. According to a press release, the drugs had an estimated street value of more than $35.2 million.
CBP OFO were able to seize the narcotics, and an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents remains ongoing.
We thank the hardworking officials who continue to protect fresh produce from such nefarious acts.
