U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport complex seized more than 424 pounds of cocaine hidden in a shipment of tires originating from South America, authorities said Tuesday.
The cocaine, valued at more than $8 million, was seized Saturday, according to Carlos Martel, CBP port director at the seaport complex.
“Without any doubt, this is one of the most significant narcotics interception in recent years at our nation’s largest seaport,” Martel said.
Customs officers used “non-intrusive” inspection technology — similar to X-rays — on containers onboard an arriving vessel, and found the cocaine, Martel said.
—City News Service