see also: in May 2002:   U.S. Customs Announces International Counterfeit Case Involving Caterpillar Heavy Equipment   U.S. Customs Inspectors Seize 1,787 Pounds of Marijuana at World Trade Bridge; One Arrested   U.S. Customs Inspectors in Eagle Pass Seize Five Drug Loads in Five Days, Including Three on Monday   U.S. Customs Inspectors Seize $3.6 Million in Cocaine, Methamphetamine at Hidalgo/Pharr Port of Entry Over Weekend   U.S. Customs Task Force Arrests 11 Charged in Heroin-Smuggling Conspiracy in New York and New Jersey   Child Sex Offender Fugitive Wanted by Arizona and Massachusetts Authorities Captured at Brownsville Port of Entry   Mother's Day Delivery at Fabens Port ...more

contacts for this news release

Laredo, Texas-U.S. Customs inspectors hit the mother lode this weekend at the Laredo Port of Entry, seizing more than three tons of marijuana and cocaine valued at $11.4 million in two separate enforcement actions.

"The inspectors and canine enforcement officers did an impressive job, using experience and high tech tools to seize two significant loads of narcotics on Saturday," said Gene Garza, U.S. Customs Port Director, Laredo. "These seizures definitely put a crimp into the operations of the drug smuggling organizations."

The first seizure occurred Saturday afternoon, May 11, 2002, at World Trade Bridge. A U.S. Customs inspector referred a 1990 International trailer hauling a cargo of wooden furniture for a non-intrusive imaging system scan. The scan indicated anomalies within the furniture. Canine "Dutchess" also alerted to the odor of narcotics within the merchandise. Upon further examination, inspectors found bundles of marijuana hidden amid wooden tables. U.S. Customs inspectors found a total of 4,365 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $4.3 million. No arrests were made. An investigation by the U.S. Customs Office of the Resident Agent in Charge-Laredo is continuing.

The second seizure occurred Saturday evening, May 11, 2002 at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge. A U.S. Customs inspector referred a 2001 SEAT bus for a secondary examination. During the examination, Canines "Abe" and "Harley" alerted to the bus. A non-intrusive imaging system scan also indicated discrepancies in the floor area. Upon further examination, inspectors found a compartment under the bus floor containing bundles of marijuana and cocaine. Inspectors seized a total of 306 pounds of cocaine and 2,146 pounds of marijuana. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $4.8 million and the marijuana is valued at $2.1 million.

The driver, Martin Alejandre-Mora, 37, of Mexico City, Mexico, was arrested on federal charges of importation and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Alejandre-Mora will make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate today.