U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry recently seized alleged heroin in two separate enforcement actions from two bus passengers at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge.
“These mark the second and third interceptions of this kind in the last couple of months,” said Port Director Joseph Misenhelter, Laredo Port of Entry. “The CBP officer’s alertness and keen observation skills were vital in the interception of these individuals.”
The most recent seizure occurred on Wednesday, June 24 when a CBP officer referred a 21 year-old male U.S. citizen from Compton, California for a secondary inspection after noticing bulges in the man’s mid-section. CBP officers conducted a pat-down on the subject which resulted positive for 79 oval shaped pellets that allegedly contained heroin. Upon further examination, CBP determined that the man may be a possible internal carrier. The subject was transported to a local medical facility where imaging systems confirmed anomalies in his abdominal area. After several days, on June 27, the man allegedly passed 11 narcotic-filled balloons at the medical facility. CBP seized a total of 90 pellets allegedly containing 3.15 pounds of heroin worth an estimated street value of $126,103.
The other interception occurred on Friday, June 19 when a CBP officer once again referred a bus passenger for a secondary examination after he noticed inconsistencies with the traveler. CBP officers conducted a pat down on the 25-year-old male U.S. citizen from Paramount, California that resulted positive for the discovery of 199 pellets allegedly containing 7.78 pounds of heroin. CBP seized the heroin worth $311,289.
Both subjects in these cases were turned over by CBP officers to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
(Press release by U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
