[Video] CBP Unveils Operation Southern Surge Results: 1,600+ Pounds of Narcotics Seized, 89 Arrests at Four Texas Ports
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) held a press conference on November 2 at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge port of entry in Laredo, Texas, to announce the results of Operation Southern Surge, a border drug-enforcement initiative. Since the operation began on October 19, officers at the Laredo, Roma, Hidalgo and Brownsville ports of entry have seized more than 1,600 pounds of narcotics, 15 firearms, more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition and over $365,000 in illicit currency, and made 89 arrests.
Paul Del Rincon, Assistant Director of Field Operations for CBP's Laredo Field Office, described Southern Surge as an intelligence-driven, targeted initiative supported by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), using coordinated surge inspections, targeted examinations and advanced screening technology. "This effort is focused, agile, and driven by intelligence," he said.
Officials detailed several seizures. Over the weekend at the Hidalgo Port of Entry, a shipment of leeks drew a canine alert, and officers found 909 packages of methamphetamine hidden inside, with a street value of more than $900,000.
At the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, a vehicle referred to secondary inspection through non-intrusive inspection technology was found to conceal 20 packages of cocaine weighing 49.3 pounds, valued at more than $290,000. The driver was arrested, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens, speaking for U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz of the Southern District of Texas, said Laredo officers also recently intercepted approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a vehicle. "While America is open for business, let me be clear, our borders are not open for the cartels to bring their drugs and their poison into our communities," he said, adding that the goal is safer streets, stronger communities and a safer place for American families.
Robert Kennedy, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Laredo, said joint efforts with CBP and the task force led to the seizure of 3,400 pounds of methamphetamine at the World Trade and Juarez-Lincoln bridges.
Charles Kirby, Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI in Laredo, said the task force is investigating the seizures with CBP, the FBI and other law-enforcement partners, and that the investigation remains ongoing. The press conference was hosted by CBP Public Affairs Officer Sarah Melendez.
(Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 美国海关与边境保护局官方视频画面（拉雷多记者会）
