Photo Credit: Jose Garza

The Laredo, Texas Anti-Terrorist Contraband Enforcement Team was the recipient of the 47th Annual International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association Commendation Award, held in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Laredo, Texas Anti-Terrorist Contraband Enforcement Team was the recipient of the 47th Annual International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association Commendation Award, held in Phoenix, Arizona. Due to the increase in violence and narcotic smuggling across the border, Port Director Eugenio Garza Jr. assembled this team to maintain and enhance the enforcement posture at the Port of Laredo, Texas. Currently there is a fierce battle between rival drug cartels trying to gain control of the region across our border in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. The cartels are also fighting to gain control of the IH-35 corridor leading into the United States. This highway is considered the jewel of all smuggling routes into the country. The Anti-Terrorist Contraband Team was successful in carrying out their mission of protecting the American public against terrorists and deterring the importation of contraband into the United States.