Laredo, Texas: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized 211 packages of suspected cocaine concealed within a commercial flower shipment, according to CBP. The agency said the seizure occurred Tuesday, February 10, at the World Trade Bridge, when officers referred a tractor-trailer manifested as carrying “roses and fresh flowers” for a more detailed inspection.
CBP said the truck, identified as a 2018 International tractor-trailer, was selected for a secondary inspection as officers worked commercial traffic at the bridge. The agency described the process as a two-tiered inspection that included non-intrusive inspection technology and a canine team.
During that examination, officers discovered 211 packages containing what the agency described as alleged cocaine hidden inside the trailer. CBP reported the total weight at 516.76 pounds.
CBP estimated the narcotics had a value of $6,899,798. The agency also stated the amount equates to more than 190,000 “lethal doses.”
CBP said the seizure occurred just ahead of Valentine’s Day, a period when commercial flower traffic typically increases. That seasonal surge can create opportunities for smugglers to blend contraband into legitimate, time-sensitive loads, and it can also drive heightened inspection posture at key crossings like the World Trade Bridge.
Officials credited officer vigilance, targeting, and layered inspection tools for the Laredo cocaine seizure. Port Director Alberto Flores praised the officers for detecting narcotics concealed inside a shipment that would normally be expected to move quickly due to perishability.
