CBP find $763,000 worth of marijuana in roofing shingles

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found $763,000 worth of marijuana in roofing shingles Thursday evening at the Bridge of Americas cargo compound.

The bust was just one of seven drug seizures at El Paso area ports of entry Thursday.

“Smugglers will often try to conceal their contraband within a legitimate product,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Beverly Good. “Good work by vigilant CBP officers stopped this shipment cold.”

The seizure was made after a box truck hauling two pallets of roofing shingles entered the port from Mexico. CBP officers selected the shipment for an intensive exam during which CBP drug sniffing dog “Ukey” alerted to the product.

CBP officers opened a package of the roofing shingles and found that the center portion had been removed and replaced with a large bundle of marijuana. CBP officers continued their exam and recovered 288 marijuana-filled bundles from the shipment.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $763,200. No arrests were made and the investigation continues.

In addition to the large marijuana seizure, area CBP officers made three other marijuana seizures totaling 265 pounds. They also made two cocaine seizures totaling 26.2 pounds and one heroin bust weighing 4.8 pounds.

A total of three NCIC fugitives were also taken into custody during a busy day of enforcement activity.