Mandi Wright / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers busted a driver of a tractor-trailer hauling a shipment of soft drinks when they found $1.6 million worth of cocaine concealed within the cargo. The drug seizure and subsequent arrest took place on Jan. 31 at the Roma International Bridge cargo facility in Roma, Texas.
It occurred after CBP officers assigned to the Roma International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor-trailer attempting to make entry into the United States from Mexico. After initial examination, the tractor-trailer was selected to undergo a secondary inspection.
Using canines and non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment, as well as physically inspecting the shipment, CBP agents discovered 50 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 120.15 pounds hidden within the shipment of soft drinks. CBP then proceeded to turn the truck, cocaine and driver of the tractor-trailer over to the Roma Police Department who arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
“Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant in the cargo environment and their effective utilization of officer experience and technological tools and resources yielded the seizure of a significant amount of narcotics,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Roma Port of Entry.
CBP Officers at the Roma Port of Entry seized 50 packages containing cocaine with a combined weight of 120.15 lbs. Greak work by our @cbpfieldops officers! #OFOProud pic.twitter.com/opDDu9lmzF
— Director of Field Operations, Donald R. Kusser (@DFOLaredo) February 5, 2025
Meanwhile, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted another cocaine smuggling attempt on Jan. 30. There, in coordination with federal and local law enforcement partners, CBP agents seized 791.5 pounds of cocaine near Dorado, Puerto Rico.
“At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 30, AMO assets identified a vessel without navigational lights heading towards the islands’ northern coast. An AMO Coastal Interceptor unit and a Puerto Rico Police Department FURA unit reached the coast of Dorado, finding a yola-type vessel approaching the beach and forcibly landing the vessel,” CBP stated in a press release.
The estimated value of the seized contraband was $7.1 million. The contraband was turned over Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation.
Over $7million in #Cocaine seized by Marine Interdiction Agents near Dorado, Puerto Rico.
Full details 👉 https://t.co/ekKTQ1YISo pic.twitter.com/IVesMITgUG
— CBP AMO (@CBPAMO) February 1, 2025