see also: in April 2006 News Releases:   CBP Officers Seize Thousands of Dollars from Sentri Participant   CBP Nabs Murder Suspects at Two Different Port of Entries   Border Patrol’s BORSTAR Team Saving Lives   CBP Officers Seize Over Three Tons of Marijuana at Calexico Ports   CBP Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Wanted Fugitive Featured on America’s Most Wanted   Homeland Security Officials Unveil Latest Radiation Technology to Secure our Nation's Seaports   Rising Temperatures in South Texas Prompt Rescue Efforts ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol’s Laredo Sector, opened Friday, a permanent checkpoint located between the Callaghan and San Roman Interchange, approximately 29 miles north of Laredo, Texas.

The checkpoint is equipped with state-of-the-art detection equipment and includes six lanes to service traffic in both public and commercial vehicles. CBP K-9 enforcement units and state and local law enforcement also will conduct enforcement efforts at the checkpoint.

“This new state-of-the-art checkpoint is an essential component of border security,” said Border Patrol Chief David V. Aguilar. “By employing this checkpoint in Laredo, we will effectively control a key human and narcotic smuggling route to the rest of the country.”

The secondary area also has six serviceable lanes to further inspect all vehicles. Both areas have a functional, all-weather canopy to ensure that the checkpoint is able to operate 24 hours a day.The Laredo checkpoint can efficiently process more than 21,000 trucks per day, while denying smugglers an avenue to transport humans, narcotics and other contraband.

Checkpoints have long been a part of CBP Border Patrol’s defense in depth strategy. This permanent checkpoint adds a second layer of defense and will help disrupt smuggling organizations that operate in the Laredo/Nuevo Laredo area.

Since 1999, the IH-checkpoint has been responsible for over 28,000 apprehensions and the seizure of 450,000 pounds of marijuana and 10,000 pounds of cocaine with a combined value of $680 million.

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.