see also: in July 2003:   CBP Inspectors Seize $2.4 Million In Narcotics at Laredo Port of Entry   CBP Inspectors Seize Large Cocaine Load at Eagle Pass Port of Entry   China Signs Declaration of Principles With Container Security Initiative to Target and Pre-Screen Cargo Destined for U.S.   CBP Officers at Otay Mesa Seize Over 4,400 Pounds of Marijuana   CBP Inspectors Seize $15.5 Million in Cocaine at Pharr International Bridge Last Week   U.S., Mexican Officials Announce 24-Hour Service at Otay Mesa Port of Entry   Department of Homeland Security Proposes Regulations to Improve Cargo Security ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

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MIAMI, FL--Today U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announce the seizure of approximately 1,700 pounds of cocaine, with a wholesale value of more than $14 million. The shipment of cocaine was discovered in a container of rubberized shoe soles, arriving from Venezuela into Port Everglades, Florida on Monday, July 14.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection analysts and inspectors at the Port of Miami received information from special agents with the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement about a possible shipment of cocaine arriving from Venezuela into South Florida.

CBP inspectors at the port of Miami and Port Everglades began targeting various shipments including one that belonged to SUELAPLAST, a Miami company. SUELAPLAST's shipment departed from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela on or about July 2 aboard the cargo ship Aurora and was headed for Port Everglades. CBP inspectors in Miami and Port Everglades working together decided to put the shipment on hold and inspect upon arrival into the port on July 11.

"This is an excellent example of how Homeland Security agencies work closely together in seizing all types of contraband, including illegal drugs, while at the same time safeguarding America from terrorism," said Robert C. Bonner, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

On July 14, 2003, Port Everglades CBP Inspectors began searching the container using various tools to cut into the sheets of rubberized shoe sole material. CBP inspectors discovered that the sheets of rubber concealed small thin plastic packages filled with a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.

CBP inspectors and ICE agents completely dismantled six (6) pallets, stacked high with sheets of rubberized shoe material. Approximately 420 sheets were found to contain twelve (12) packages of cocaine each. Each one of the plastic packages weighed approximately one-third of a pound (1/3 lbs). The cocaine seized weighed a total of 1, 697 pounds with a wholesale value of more than $14 million.

"This particular seizure is noteworthy due to the cooperative effort made by the agencies involved. The combined efforts of CBP and ICE demonstrate the effectiveness out interagency mission under Homeland Security," said Michael J. Garcia, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.