see also: in February 2006 News Releases:   CBP Border Patrol Rescues 14 More Illegal Aliens   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,321 Pounds Of Marijuana   CBP Air and Border Patrol Agents Rescue Five People in Desert   Truck Manifest Certifications Triple in One Week   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Seizes Textile and Wearing Apparel in Buffalo   CBP Border Patrol Agent Rescues Mexican National   CBP Officers in Falcon Dam Prevent Attempt to Illegally Export Wallabies ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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MIAMI - An estimated 473 lbs. of cocaine and 2.2 lbs. of ecstasy with a street value of approximately $6 million were discovered here Sunday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Miami River.

During routine inspections during Superbowl weekend, CBP officers discovered an unusual shipment above the septic tank of the Dahomey Express, a Haitian registered freighter that docked here Saturday. The concealed package contained several bricks of cocaine. A subsequent search of the freighter led to the additional discovery of contraband.

“The primary mission of US Customs and Border Protection is anti-terrorism, but we know the history of this river,” stated CBP’s Thomas S. Winkowski, Director, Field Operations, Miami Field Office. “Our Officers are highly trained in confined spaces and deep concealment methods. Their hard work, skill, and relentless efforts have proven their ability to intercept narcotics and other illegal substances. Just as the narcotics were hidden, other equally or more dangerous contraband could be smuggled into our country.”

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CBP have a united front to prevent the illicit movement of drugs in our ports of entry,” said Jesus Torres, special agent-in-charge of ICE in Miami. “Drug traffickers who think that Miami is an easy gateway need to think again. You will be found, arrested and held accountable for your actions. Your filthy drugs will not circulate in our community.”

The Miami ICE office has an ongoing investigation into this case. To date, no arrests have been made. Anyone with information regarding this case or any drug smuggling operation is urged to call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.