September 26, 2007    Laredo, Texas
Customs seize 2,515 pounds of marijunana in a commerical truck

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo, Texas port of entry "benched" a narcotics smuggling attempt, barring more than a ton of marijuana concealed in a commercial truck from making its way into the U.S. The street value of the marijuana is estimated at $2.5 million.

The siezure occurred Wednesday at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge shortly before 4 p.m. CBP officers referred a 1996 Freightliner tractor hauling a shipment of ornamental articles for a secondary examination. The tractor was being driven by a 30-year-old, Mexican citizen from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

A scan of the trailer revealed anomalies within the merchandise of the shipment. CBP canine "Kimba" alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from wooden benches that were part of the shipment in the same area where the anomalies were detected. Upon further examination of the 223 pieces of furniture and a closer visual inspection, CBP officers discovered a total of 332 bundles containing 2,515 pounds of marijuana.

Although no immediate arrests were made, an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents continues. The tractor, trailer and contraband were all seized.

"Our officers' keen eye for detail provided the impetus for this seizure," said Gene Garza, CBP port director, Laredo. "Discrepancies were noted that could have escaped untrained observers. A team effort utilizing all our resources pays off as evidenced by this very significant seizure. This was another job well done by our officers."

Source: U.S. Customs