U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized over 190,000 lethal doses of cocaine worth about $6.8 million hidden in flowers at the Texas border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry in Texas have seized more than 190,000 potentially lethal doses of cocaine following an inspection of a truck carrying what was declared as a shipment of “roses” and fresh flowers, authorities said.
The bust occurred on February 10 at the World Trade Bridge border crossing when a 2018 T3 International tractor-trailer was referred for a secondary inspection by CBP officers using canine teams and non-intrusive imaging technology. Investigators uncovered 211 packages containing roughly 516 pounds (about 234 kg) of suspected cocaine, with an estimated value of approximately $6.8 million.
Port of Entry Director Alberto Flores said the discovery hidden among a commercial flower shipment, highlights the vigilance and expertise of CBP officers in detecting contraband concealed within legitimate goods. He added that the sizable seizure plays a meaningful role in efforts to protect U.S. communities and disrupt illicit drug trafficking.
The operation comes amid increased scrutiny of drug smuggling activity around major holidays, when traffickers may exploit the higher volume of legitimate shipments crossing the U.S. – Mexico border. Homeland Security Investigations agents are continuing to examine the case to determine broader trafficking connections.
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