LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to Laredo Port of Entry outbound operations recently seized more than two and a half tons of fentanyl precursors.

“Illicitly manufactured fentanyl produced from precursors has been a major contribution to drug abuse and overdose deaths in our country,” said Acting Port Director Adriana Arce, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP is fully committed in disrupting the manufacturing of this fatal drug, and in our dedication to keep the border safe.”

The seizures occurred during outbound operations conducted for the month of September. Vehicle inspections utilizing canine and non-intrusive inspection system examinations resulted in the discovery of 5,357.85 pounds of fentanyl precursors.

CBP seized the contraband. Lab results of the chemicals are pending further investigation. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizures.  

Follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on Twitter at @DFOLaredo and also U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPSouthTexas for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.