U.S. border agents recover over 29 pounds of heroin worth half a million dollars

On September 16, 2025, in the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents made a significant narcotics seizure at the Laredo Port of Entry, near the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. During a routine inspection, border officers referred a 63-year-old male Mexican citizen for additional scrutiny. The driver was operating a 2008 Chrysler Voyager when a canine unit discovered a total of 12 packages containing heroin hidden within the vehicle. The heroin weighed just over 29 pounds. Experts estimated the street value of the illicit drugs to be approximately $557,200. Following the discovery, the male driver was arrested by special agents from Homeland Security Investigations. In addition to the arrest, the narcotics were confiscated for testing, and the vehicle involved was impounded as part of the ongoing investigation. Port Director Alberto Flores remarked on the seizure, emphasizing the commitment of CBP to border security. He noted that the combination of the border officers' inspection skills and the latest technology contributed to this significant intercept of hard narcotics. The successful recovery of heroin is part of CBP's ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling at the southern U.S. borders, reflecting an intensified scrutiny of vehicles entering the country. As a result of this operation, a criminal investigation has been initiated, leading to further inquiries into the source and distribution networks associated with the recovered heroin. The prevalence of drug trafficking in this region remains a critical issue, prompting law enforcement agencies to continue their proactive measures in intercepting illegal narcotics. Such operations serve not only to remove dangerous substances from circulation but also to gather intelligence that can help dismantle larger smuggling organizations.