see also: in June 2008:   CBP in New Orleans Offers Tips for International Air Travelers for Summer Season   CBP Offers Tips for International Air Travelers in Memphis for Summer Season   U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Host San Diego Hiring Event   Baltimore CBP Recovers Stolen Vehicle Being Shipped Overseas   Border Patrol Agents Seize Cocaine, Methamphetamines and Marijuana   Canada, U.S. Sign Arrangement to Align Security Standards for Cross-Border Business   CBP, Texas Strengthen Partnership to Ensure Border Security ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Laredo, Texas – Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector made several drug seizures during the past weekend. The seizures netted a total of 3,406.9 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $2,275,520 and 24.7 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $790,400.

The first case occurred late Friday at the checkpoint located on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo. As agents spoke to the driver, a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the trailer, suggesting the presence of hidden people or contraband. A subsequent search of the trailer yielded 25 large cellophane-wrapped bundles. The bundles contained 2,926.3 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $2,341,040.

Agents working at the I-35 checkpoint made another seizure on Saturday night. In that case, agents were conducting an immigration inspection on two occupants of a 1997 Ford Expedition when a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was referred for secondary inspection and examined by the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) which uses gamma rays to produce an image similar to an x-ray. The machine detected an anomaly inside the gas tank which resulted in the seizure of 26 cellophane-wrapped bundles. The bundles contained 84 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $67,200.

On Sunday, June 22, agents at the I-35 checkpoint made their third major seizure of the weekend in another tractor trailer. As agents spoke with the driver a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the trailer, indicating the possible presence of people or contraband being concealed. Agents searched the trailer and found three blue duffel bags that contained a total of 11 cellophane-wrapped bundles. The bundles contained a total of 344 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $275,200.

Also on Sunday, agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station made a seizure during checkpoint operations. Agents were working at the checkpoint located on State Highway 16 about two miles south of town when a 2001 Nissan Sentra drove up for inspection. As agents were conducting an immigration inspection on the occupant of the car a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the front of the vehicle. Agents searched the car and found 10 cellophane-wrapped bundles concealed behind the glove compartment. The bundles contained cocaine with a total weight of 24.7 pounds and an estimated value of $790,400.

Early in the morning on Monday, June 23, agents at the I-35 checkpoint made yet another seizure. Agents were conducting an immigration inspection on the lone occupant of a 2008 Chevrolet Impala when a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the vehicle. As agents began searching the vehicle, the driver admitted to having a small amount of marijuana hidden in his sneaker. Agents seized the drugs and continued searching the vehicle. In the spare tire compartment agents found 17 cellophane-wrapped bundles. The bundles contained marijuana with a total weight of 52.6 pounds and an estimated value of $42,080.

In all cases, the drugs, the subjects and the vehicles were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.