Drug Load Found in West Texas Shipment of Roofing Shingles

Nearly 1,000 pounds of marijuana was found in a box truck that was hauling a load of roofing shingles late last week in El Paso, Texas.

The load of 954 pounds of marijuana was found after one of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) K9 officers alerted other officers to the presence of the contraband. The box truck was moved to a secondary inspection area for an intensive exam, according to a statement obtained by Breitbart Texas.

The discovery was the largest shipment of drugs discovered last Thursday when CBP officers made a total of seven drug seizures.

“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.” Good was appointed director of the El Paso Port in April 2015.

The search by K9 Officer “Ukey” revealed the drugs were hidden in two pallets of roofing shingles.

Other officers opened the pallet and discovered the center portion of the loaded pallet had been replaced with a large bundle of marijuana.

As the exam continued, a total of 288 marijuana-filled bundles was discovered. The load was valued at $763,200 according to the statement from CBP.

Officers made three additional marijuana seizures. This resulted in the confiscation of an additional 265 pounds of marijuana. Two cocaine seizures were made totaling 26.2 pounds. 4.8 pounds of heroin was seized as well.

Wrapping up a good day at the port, CBP officers found three fugitives who were wanted in the national database.

Earlier this month, Breitbart Texas’ Ildefonso Ortiz reported a load of marijuana that was discovered to be disguised as a load of carrots. In that load, 2,817 pounds of marijuana was seized at the Pharr/Reynosa port of entry. The bundles were wrapped in orange plastic to attempt to make the marijuana blend in with the carrots. Once again, a CBP K9 officer alerted to the presence of the drugs.

No arrests were made in either the Pharr or El Paso drug seizures. Ortiz reported this is not uncommon as the truck drivers are not aware of the loads they are carrying.

The El Paso case remains under investigation.

Bob Price serves as associate editor and senior political news contributor for Breitbart Texas and is a member of the original Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX.