LAREDO, Texas – A significant load of alleged heroin was found hidden in an Aztec calendar and tortilla press when seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry this week, authorities said.
The seizure happened Monday at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge when CBP officers, technicians and agriculture specialists were examining the baggage of a 54–year-old male Mexican citizen bus passenger from Dayton, Ohio, officials said.
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During the examination, officers found packages hidden within a wooden Aztec calendar and tortilla press containing nearly 6 pounds of heroin. CBP officials said the estimated street value for the narcotics is $237,000.
"Hiding hard narcotics within everyday Mexican curios reflects the desperate efforts smuggling organizations would go through to attempt to move their product," said Port Director Joseph Misenhelter, Laredo Port of Entry. "Our successful interdiction of the heroin at the port reflects the resolve of our CBP officers, technicians and agriculture specialists to keep our border secure."
Officers seized the narcotics, arrested the bus passenger and turned him over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation, CBP officials said.