CBP officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized 211 packages of suspected cocaine—516.76 pounds—hidden inside a truck carrying roses during Valentine’s Day week. The seizure, estimated as 190,000 lethal doses and valued at $6.8 million, was discovered after a canine unit and non-intrusive inspection. Homeland Security Investigations has opened an inquiry, and CBP praised officers for their vigilance. Separately, a fugitive wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child was arrested at a nearby bridge and taken to Webb County Jail.
Over 190,000 'Lethal' Doses of Cocaine Hidden in Valentine's Flower Shipment Seized at Laredo Port
Over 190,000 'lethal' doses of cocaine seized in Valentine's Day week bust at southern border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry intercepted what they estimate to be 190,000 lethal doses of cocaine—valued by CBP at $6.8 million—during a secondary inspection of a truck delivering flowers to the World Trade International Bridge in Laredo, Texas.
"Their commitment to the mission reflects the high standards of service CBP upholds, and their actions continue to make a meaningful impact in protecting our nation," said Flores.(Getty Images)
Seizure Details
The vehicle, described as a 2018 T3 International tractor and trailer, was referred for additional screening after a CBP officer flagged the load listed as "roses/fresh flowers." A search that included a canine unit and non-intrusive inspection system uncovered 211 packages containing a total of 516.76 pounds of suspected cocaine, which officers seized.
Over the Super Bowl weekend, a fugitive was apprehended at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo.
"The discovery within a shipment of roses demonstrates the vigilance and expertise of our officers," said Alberto Flores, director of the Laredo Port of Entry. He added that the "substantial" seizure underscores CBP's dedication to protecting borders and communities from illicit drug trafficking.
Investigation and Context
Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have opened an inquiry into the incident and are working with CBP on follow-up investigative actions. The World Trade International Bridge spans the Rio Grande and connects Laredo, Texas, with Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico—a busy commercial crossing where inspections are routine.
Related Enforcement Action
Separately, over Super Bowl weekend, CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo detained 64-year-old Rito Bueno during a secondary inspection. A records check matched Bueno to an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child; he was transported to the Webb County Jail for adjudication of the warrant.
CBP provided the information in a press release and has not offered additional public comment; HSI continues its investigation into the narcotics seizure.
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