December 17, 09

NEWS / CBP Officers Seize Crystal Meth Valued at $270,000, Arrest Laredo Man

Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo port of entry seized nearly 18 pounds of crystal methamphetamines Monday in an enforcement action that resulted in the arrest of a Laredo man.


CBP officers arrested a 27-year-old male U.S. citizen from Laredo, Texas and turned him over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents after CBP officers discovered nearly 18 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside a spare tire.


The seizure occurred Monday, December 14 at the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge. A CBP officer referred a 1998 Dodge Caravan for a secondary examination. During the examination, a CBP officer noted discrepancies in the spare tire area. A CBP narcotics detection dog, “Hank,” alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the same area. CBP officers conducted an X-ray examination of the spare tire that resulted in the discovery of five bundles containing nearly 18 pounds of crystal meth with an estimated street value of $270,000.


CBP officers seized the crystal meth and the vehicle. ICE agents investigated the seizure and processed the driver on federal drug charges.


“Even though this is the season when we experience an upsurge in traffic, our CBP officers remain vigilant and capable of intercepting significant narcotics loads such as this one,” said Gene Garza, port director, Laredo, Texas.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/12162009_5.xml