see also: in December 2003:   CBP Border Patrol Agents Increase Northern Border Security   CBP Seizes Cache of Narcotics Over Weekend   America's Frontline in Terror War Tightens Border: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Responds to Alert Level Orange   CBP Border Patrol Mourns the Loss of Their Fallen Hero   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canine "Boyka" Retires After Five Years of Service at Eagle Pass Port of Entry   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Formally Appoints Port Director for Newark/New York Seaport Area ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Laredo, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Laredo Port of Entry last night seized a $8.2 million load of cocaine during a routine inspection of a tractor trailer.

The seizure occurred on December 15, 2003 at World Trade Bridge. A CBP Officer referred a 1994 Freightliner tractor hauling two stacked or "piggybacked" empty flatbed trailers for a non-intrusive gamma-ray scan. The scan indicated anomalies in the tires of the topmost flatbed trailer. A subsequent inspection by a CBP Canine Enforcement Officer and Canine "Sasha" resulted in a positive alert to the tires. Upon further examination, CBP Officers discovered 200 packages stuffed inside the tires containing a total of 515 pounds of cocaine. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $8.2 million.

The cocaine, tractor and trailer were seized. The driver was not arrested, but an investigation by Special Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues.

"This seizure reflects the hard work and vigilance of our officers," said Gene Garza, Port Director, Laredo. "It also underscores that the smuggling threat in the cargo area is not limited to marijuana but includes cocaine as well."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a new agency within the Department of Homeland Security that unifies U.S. Customs, Immigration and Agriculture Inspectors and the Border Patrol.