In a press release, the federal agency stated that a 2013 Freightliner was inspected using dogs and imaging equipment, and 12,738 pounds of narcotics were found.
Port Director Gregory Alvarez noted that the port, the World Trade Bridge, is becoming busier and a destination for narcotics traffickers.
“The ever-growing volume of cargo traffic processed at the port has made it a target for drug trafficking organizations, who are boldly attempting to smuggle illegal contraband through commercial consignments,” Alvarez said.
Authorities estimate the seized contraband has a street value of $2,547,635.
CBP has referred the case to special agents with Homeland Security Investigations.
The Laredo area has been a focus of the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts.
In May, CBP signed a $275 million contract with Caddell Construction Company to build 14 miles of border wall in Laredo.
At the time, the agency said that Laredo is a hotspot for illegal crossings and drug trafficking, with 21,000 persons taken into custody for illegal immigration and 19,000 pounds of narcotics confiscated.
In February, Defense Secretary Mark Esper approved the controversial reappropriation of $3.8 billion from Navy and Air Force programs to the construction of President Trump’s promised southern border wall.
The Homeland Security Department reports that it has constructed 216 miles of border wall to date, using 311,000 tons of steel and 458,000 cubic yards of concrete.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."