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The United States Customs and Border Protection in Texas recently seized more than $158,000 in heroin. The interdiction occurred at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge.
The January 15 seizure began when a 2000 Chevrolet was referred to Customs and Border Protection for a secondary inspection following a primary examination. Some of their enforcement tools included a canine unit and a non-intrusive inspection system. This technology allows officers to detect drugs and weapons as well as other contraband that could pose radiological or nuclear threats to the country.
The non-intrusive inspection system can also increase the speed at which legitimate trade and passengers can move. Officers can screen and find drugs and other items using handheld devices for streamlined examinations.
The officers found over nine pounds of suspected black tar heroin in the bust.
Homeland Security special agents immediately arrested the driver of the Chevrolet. Border Patrol also seized the vehicle and the narcotics. A criminal investigation has been launched.
We know the border can be a primary port of entry for various drugs. But th use of specific enforcement tools can help reduce the amount of illicit substances spreading into the United States. Searches such as these aren’t preventing the traffic flow but they are helping block the flow of dangerous substances sliding into the country.
It is only one small piece of assistance for the opioid crisis but still a definite step in the right direction. Such innovative tactics improve safety for residents across the US.
