Border Drug Busts in U.S. and Canada Exceed $90 Million in August

Authorities in the United States and Canada intercepted more than $90 million worth of narcotics during commercial truck inspections last month, exposing large-scale smuggling attempts at multiple border crossings. Shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine were concealed in everyday freight loads ranging from flowers to produce to aluminum scrap.

$32 Million in Cocaine at Blue Water Bridge

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced two major seizures in mid-August at the Blue Water Bridge, which connects Ontario with Port Huron, Michigan. On August 13, officers discovered 331 pounds of cocaine worth $14 million in a tractor-trailer. The following day, they uncovered another 219 pounds valued at $18 million in a separate truck. Both drivers were arrested and transferred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

$37 Million Meth Bust in Texas

In one of the largest cross-border drug seizures of the year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Laredo found 4,241 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of aluminum burr. The seizure, made August 29 at the Colombia–Solidarity International Bridge, was valued at $37 million.

Additional Texas Seizures

CBP reported several other busts across Texas border crossings during August:

• Pharr: $13 million in meth hidden in a load of broccoli, and $7.6 million worth of meth disguised in roses.

• Los Indios: Nearly $300,000 in cocaine seized from a tractor-trailer on August 18.

• Eagle Pass: Almost $489,000 in cocaine discovered at the Camino Real International Bridge.

Overall, while the scale and concealment methods vary, the combined total of more than $90 million highlights the ongoing challenge facing CBP, CBSA, and law enforcement partners throughout North America in intercepting shipments before they enter circulation.

Source: FreightWaves

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