September 05, 2007    Laredo, Texas
Customs seize 1,138 pounds of marijuana from a Freightliner Tractor

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo port of entry thwarted a narcotics smuggling attempt of 1,138 pounds of marijuana concealed in a commercial truck. The drugs were valued at of $1.1 million.

The seizure occurred on September 5 at the World Trade Bridge shortly before 11 a.m. CBP officers referred a 2001 Freightliner tractor hauling a shipment of travertine tile for a secondary examination. The tractor was being driven by a 41-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 "Poncho" alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the inside of the trailer in the same area where the anomalies were detected.

Upon further examination of the 18 crates containing the tile and a closer visual inspection, CBP officers discovered a total of 185 bundles containing 1,138 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $1.1 million. Although no arrests were made, the investigation continues by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents. The tractor, trailer and contraband were all seized.

"A combination of technology, officer intuition and a canine's keen olfactory sense is what led to this seizure," said Gene Garza, CBP port director, Laredo. "We will stop at nothing when it comes to narcotics interdiction seizures and the protection of our country. Another job well done by our officers."

Source: U.S. Customs