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American law enforcement has once again taken a bite out of crime. This time it was US Customs and Border Protection seizing over 1,000 pounds of meth at the Laredo Port of Entry.
This particular bust occurred at the World Trade Bridge in Texas after a Customs and Border Protection officer flagged a 2004 Freightliner hauling a utility refrigerated trailer.
The truck’s manifest stated that it contained a commercial shipment of roses.
However, following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, a US Customs and Border Protection press release states, “CBP officers discovered a total of 1,033.96 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the commodity.”
Not so rosy: @DFOLaredo @CBP officers seize $9.5M in methamphetamine at #Laredo’s World Trade Bridge within a shipment of roses. @HSI_SanAntonio is investigating. Read more here: https://t.co/tjn0w9EdCY pic.twitter.com/sAYgXLAiJC
— CBP South Texas (@CBPSouthTexas) February 8, 2024
The seized meth had a combined street value of $9,507,568, according to CBP.
“Officers in the cargo environment interdicted and seized millions worth in alleged methamphetamine, an addictive synthetic stimulant that causes a significant number of deaths nationwide,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP remains committed to its border security mission while effectively facilitating lawful trade and travel.”
Traffickers will often attempt to conceal large quantities of illegal drugs in the strangest of places.
Last November, Border Patrol agents found and seized $8.4 million worth of fentanyl pills hidden in the spare tire and rear seat of a pickup truck.
In April, nearly 10 tons of concentrated liquid meth was found inside almost 12,000 tequila bottles by the Mexican Navy at the Pacific coast seaport of Manzanillo.
And in November of 2022, Customs and Border Patrol officers seized $450,000 worth of cocaine after investigating a woman traveling from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to New York City. The drugs were found hidden inside the wheels of a woman’s wheelchair.
Illegal drugs are far from the strangest things CBP officers have discovered, however.
On January 8th, Customs and Border Protection officers stopped an airline passenger who was attempting to illegally import four deceased and dehydrated monkeys into the United States through Logan Airport in Boston.