Federal law enforcement officials announced the seizure of almost $10 million in drugs near the U.S.-Mexico border, marking a grim milestone in the ongoing debate over border security. The increased flow of drugs took place as the number of migrants attempting to enter the country reached more than 300,000 for the first time in December 2023.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the seizure of $9.5 million in narcotics in an attempted smuggling scheme this week.
Drug smugglers attempted to cross the World Trade Bridge between Mexico and Texas. The drugs were seized from a 2004 Freightliner towing a utility refrigerated trailer.
While the haulers claimed the truck was carrying roses, an investigation found significant amounts of meth.
“Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 1,033.96 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the commodity,” said the CBP.
“CBP remains committed to its border security mission while effectively facilitating lawful trade and travel.” said the organization.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In another recent bust, law enforcement seized nearly $8 million worth of drugs from a Canadian trucker attempting to enter the country. The haul included about 600 pounds of cocaine near Detroit.
Indian truck driver caught in $8.7 mn drug bust at US-Canada border https://t.co/m1qrEIYNVn
— Sudhir Anand (@voicesudhir) February 11, 2024
Pressure at the border has been increasing over the last several years since President Joe Biden took office in 2021. The Biden administration ended the Title 42 asylum policy of former President Donald Trump.
The policy changes contributed to a significant increase in the number of attempted illegal immigrant crossings. December 2023 saw an estimated 302,000 migrant encounters by the CBP, the highest on record. There were more than 3,000,000 estimated migrants entering the country last year alone.
Congressional Republicans have criticized the Biden White House’s approach to the border, both in terms of migrant crossings and the drug trade. Despite the increased flow of migrants and recent drug busts, the administration has not made any substantive changes to its approach.
