U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Tuesday that a 35-year-old woman from Mexico was arrested for attempting to smuggle cocaine into the United States at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas.
Authorities referred her 2017 Nissan Rogue for secondary inspection after initial screening. During this process, officers used a canine and non-intrusive scanning technology to identify 18 packages concealed within the vehicle, which allegedly contained more than 47 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $628,458.
The woman was accompanied by a 30-year-old U.S. citizen passenger in the vehicle, both of whom were detained, and the narcotics and automobile were seized by authorities.
“This seizure demonstrates the dedication and vigilance of our officers at the Laredo Port of Entry,” said Albert Flores, the port director. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains committed to safeguarding our communities by preventing dangerous narcotics from entering the country.”
Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations are actively investigating the case. The Laredo Port of Entry handles over $350 billion in international trade annually, representing nearly 40% of U.S.-Mexico commerce. U.S. Customs and Border Protection noted that under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, border enforcement has led to the apprehension of thousands of criminal aliens, including gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers.
