NORFOLK, VA— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Norfolk received information about possible narcotics that were onboard a vessel due to arrive at the seaport.
During the subsequent vessel inspection on March 10, CBP officers discovered seven brick shaped packages weighing approximately 16.5 pounds in one of the vessel common areas. The packages contained a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine, with an estimated street value of over $225,000.
The seizure was part of a joint operation headed by CBP's Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team at the Port of Norfolk and the Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Border Enforcement Security Task Force.
“This operation was an outstanding example of how CBP and our federal law enforcement partners remain ever vigilant,” said Mark J. Laria, Norfolk Area Port Director. “CBP officers work vigilantly every day to intercept dangerous drugs and contraband as part of efforts to protect the American people," Our officers play a critical counter-narcotics role and are committed to keeping illicit drugs far away from local communities."
“With this seizure, we not only removed a significant amount of cocaine from circulation, but we also sent a message to drug traffickers that the Port of Norfolk is closed for business,” said Special Agent in Charge, Ray Villanueva of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. “We are proud to have partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to make this seizure happen. When our organizations work together, we represent a formidable threat to drug traffickers and a reminder to the American public that they are well protected.”
An investigation is being conducted by HSI Norfolk.
On a typical day last year, CBP processed more than 650,000 travelers who arrived at airports, seaports and land border crossings. CBP officers and agents arrested an average of 25 wanted criminals every day at our nation’s ports of entry. See what else CBP accomplished during a typical day in 2021.
Please visit CBP Ports of Entry to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders. Learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.
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