see also: in October 2002:   Alleged Colombian Heroin Distributor Arrested in Chicago; Among 25 Charged in Operation Smackdown Led by Customs Agents   U.S. Customs Publishes Final Regulations to Require Advance Shipping Information   Customs Agent is Presented the Presidential Council on Integrity and Efficiency Award   U.S. Customs Inspectors Seize $7.6 Million in Cocaine at Hidalgo/Pharr in Five Days   More Than 300 Registered for Customs Trade Symposium 2002   Wang Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Smuggling in Export Scheme Involving Chinese Textiles   China Joins the U.S. in Container Security Initiative ...more

contacts for this news release

Laredo, TX - U.S. Customs inspectors and canine enforcement officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized three significant loads of narcotics this weekend, with the mother lode of the three being a $3 million cocaine seizure in a commercial bus.

The cocaine seizure occurred Sunday, October 6, 2002 at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge. A U.S. Customs inspector examining a 1996 Dina bus with a driver and six passengers noted discrepancies in the rear wall of the restroom area. During the examination of this area, Canine "Visa" alerted. Upon further examination of this compartment, Inspectors discovered three gym bags containing a total of 187 pounds of cocaine. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $3 million. The bus was seized, no arrests were made, but the investigation continues.

The two other seizures, both of marijuana, occurred Friday.

The larger of the two occurred at Gateway to the Americas Bridge. A U.S Customs inspector referred a 1995 Chevy Suburban driven by Rafael Ruiz-Cantu, 31, a U.S. citizen from Laredo, for a secondary examination. The driver appeared nervous. During the examination, inspectors noticed irregularities in the gas tank area. Canine "Rex" also alerted to the tank. Upon further examination, inspectors found 165 pounds of marijuana in the tank. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $165,000. Ruiz-Cantu was arrested on federal charges of importation and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate today.

The other seizure involved two Laredo juveniles. A U.S. Customs inspector at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge referred a 1994 Dodge pickup truck driven by a 15-year-old male juvenile for secondary examination. A 14-year-old male juvenile was a passenger in the vehicle. During the examination inspectors discovered anomalies in the gas tank area. Upon closer examination, Inspectors discovered 150 pounds of marijuana in the gas tank. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $150,000. Both juveniles were arrested and turned over to Texas Department of Public Safety troopers for prosecution on state drug possession charges.

Gene Garza, U.S. Customs Port Director, Laredo, lauded his officers on the seizures.

"The inspectors kept busy this weekend taking down three significant loads of narcotics," Garza said. "The arrests of the two juveniles on state drug charges illustrate the depths narcotics smuggling organizations descend to get their loads across and the serious legal consequences facing teens lured by the thought of easy money."