Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seized over $4 million worth of cocaine hidden behind a “false wall” in a tractor-trailer at the U.S.-Canada border.Officers at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Michigan intercepted 266 pounds of cocaine on August 1, and its estimated street value is thought to be $4,102,440, according to a CBP statement. The driver, a Canadian citizen, was arrested and will face prosecution in St. Clair County, Canada.Authorities conducted an X-ray scan of the tractor-trailer and detected irregularities. After a further examination, officers and a K-9 team discovered 100 bricks of packaged narcotics concealed behind a fake wall within the trailer. The illicit substance tested positive for cocaine, which was seized, along with the vehicle.
CBP officers have seized over $4 million worth of cocaine. It was hidden behind a “false wall” in a tractor-trailer at the U.S.-Canada border.
CBP officers have seized over $4 million worth of cocaine. It was hidden behind a “false wall” in a tractor-trailer at the U.S.-Canada border.
Christoph Hardt/Geisler-Fotopres/AP/Canva
“We will continue to use all tools at our disposal to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities,” Port Director Jeffrey Wilson said in the statement. “This seizure showcases the effectiveness of our layered approach to border enforcement, which is further enhanced by the assistance of our regional law enforcement partners.””This seizure is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement, at every level, to disrupt transnational criminal organizations,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey, Detroit HSI. “Thanks to the vigilance of our CBP partners, these narcotics won’t be reaching their final destination.”Separately, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon said: “Combating transnational crime and protecting our border are among our enduring mission priorities. This case exemplifies CBP Field Operations’ ongoing commitment to fulfill our mandate, and I’m proud of the work done by those involved.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal on a vehicle. CBP officers have seized over $4 million worth of cocaine at the U.S.-Canada border.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal on a vehicle. CBP officers have seized over $4 million worth of cocaine at the U.S.-Canada border.
Aaron M. Sprecher/CHERA
The discovery comes after one of the largest inbound fentanyl seizures on the northern border within the last five years in Detroit.Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal investigation in that case, and inquiries remain ongoing.The operations are part of ongoing CBP efforts to intercept and prevent the trafficking of illegal narcotics into the country.Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug created from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America.In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, 55,771 pounds of cocaine were confiscated by CBP as of June. Furthermore, 81,085 pounds of cocaine were confiscated in 2022-2023. CBP officers seized nearly 549,000 pounds of illicit substances nationwide in 2023.There were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health statistics.Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com
