LAREDO: Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector Border Patrol thwarted an attempt to smuggle drugs at the Interstate Highway 35 Checkpoint here the other day.
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 encountered a Kenworth tractor towing a cargo tank at the primary inspection lane. The driver was questioned regarding his immigration status, when a service canine alerted to possible narcotics, or humans concealed within the vehicle. The driver was subsequently referred by agents to secondary for further inspection of the vehicle. Significant Seizure Caught at Border Patrol Checkpoint
While at secondary, the agents performed an x-ray scan of the trailer, using the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS), where several anomalies were discovered within the cargo tank area. A total of 216 bundles were removed from the tank with a total weight of 5,734.3 pounds and a street value of $4,578,440.00 USD. The bundles tested positive for marijuana. The driver, narcotics and subject were turned over to Drug Enforcement Administration.
“I commend our Border Patrol agents for their continued dedication, vigilance and hard work they perform daily to protect our borders,” said Chief Patrol Agent Mario Martinez.
