see also: in August 2007 News Releases:   Border Patrol Agents Seize Drugs at California Checkpoint   Palm Beach, Fla. Welcomes New Tool in Fighting Terror Weapons   Drug Seizure Activity at Border Ports Remains Brisk; El Paso CBP Nabs More Than 2 Tons of Pot   Yuma Border Agents Help Local Police Track 3 Fleeing Burglary Scene   CBP Officers at Laredo, Texas Entry Seize Almost $6 Million in Drugs in Two Seizures   Suspected Smuggling Lookouts Captured in Desert   1st Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Northwest Retires ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo port of entry yesterday thwarted two narcotics smuggling attempts and prevented 1-1/2 tons of marijuana and 12 pounds of cocaine from entering the U.S. The seizure, valued at $3.8 million, resulted in three arrests.

The larger of the two seizures occurred on Wednesday at the World Trade Bridge shortly before 1 p.m. CBP officers referred a 1999 Volvo tractor hauling a shipment of glass containers for a secondary examination. The tractor was being driven by Andres Garcia Rodriguez, a 31-year-old, Mexican citizen from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Utilizing a non-intrusive imaging system, CBP officers noted an anomaly within the merchandise of the shipment. CBP detector dog “Diesel” alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from inside the trailer in the same area where the anomalies were detected.

Upon further examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 89 cellophane-wrapped bundles containing 3,455 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $3.4 million. CBP officers arrested Garcia Rodriguez on federal drug violations along with Jose Gamez Vasquez, a 30-year-old, Mexican citizen also from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico who was charged with aiding and abetting in the failed smuggling venture. Both were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who investigated the seizure. Two tractors and trailers were seized.

The second seizure occurred at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge shortly before 11 a.m. CBP officers referred a 2005 Volkswagen being driven by Jose Huerta Gonzalez, a 38-year-old, Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico for a secondary examination.

During the examination, CBP officers detected discrepancies within the vehicle’s back seat area. CBP detector dog “Marshall” alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the same area of the car. CBP officers detected an anomaly under the back seat area of the vehicle.

Upon further examination, CBP officers discovered eight bundles that contained 12 pounds of cocaine with an extimated street value of $384,000. CBP officers arrested Huerta Gonzalez on federal drug violations and turned him over to ICE special agents who investigated the seizure. The vehicle was seized.

“These significant enforcement actions reflect our officers’ dedication and their effectiveness in using their skills, our canines, and our technology to successfully carry out our enforcement efforts,” said Gene Garza, CBP Port Director, Laredo. “We continue to make substantial headway in the area of narcotics interdiction.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.