CBP in Collaboration with HSI Intercepts Largest Cocaine Contraband at Port Hueneme in 25 Years

LOS ANGELES—A joint collaborative effort between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, resulted in the seizure of 221.7 pounds (100.6 kilograms) of Cocaine concealed in produce cargo vessels arriving to Port Hueneme from Ecuador and Guatemala.

On January 22, while conducting an enforcement boarding of a refrigerated vessel arriving from Ecuador, CBP officers discovered 80 bundles of cocaine weighing 204.2 pounds (92.64 kilograms). The narcotics were concealed within the floorboards of the cargo vessel. A week after, on January 28, CBP officers discovered seven bundles of cocaine weighing 17.5 pounds (7.96 kilograms) inside the floorboards in another cargo vessel this time arriving from Guatemala.

“CBP plays a critical role in the effort to keep dangerous drugs from illegally entering the country. Specifically, by leveraging a comprehensive, multi-layered, intelligence driven, and threat-based approach to enhance the security of our seaports, we can diminish the effectiveness of transnational criminal organizations drug operations,” said Carlos C. Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles.

The investigative expertise from HSI special agents who are now leading the ongoing investigation, was critical to the success of this interception.

“HSI is committed to stopping those who seek to smuggle illegal drugs across our borders,” said Joseph Macias, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles. “As drug traffickers get more creative, we are working round-the clock with CBP and our law enforcement partners to stop this activity. HSI is generating a significant amount of intelligence in this investigation, which we will use to identify, disrupt and ultimately dismantle the criminal organization behind this scheme.”

Located in Ventura County, Port Hueneme is the only commercial deep-water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Strategically located, Port Hueneme is an important hub for imports of autos, fresh produce, general cargo, bulk liquids, and fish.

“This is the largest drug seizure at Port Hueneme in the last quarter of a century,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, CBP Port Director of the LA/Long Beach Seaport, and Port Hueneme. “I’m extremely proud of the results of this joint effort, it shows the professionalism, vigilance and keen focus of both agencies in preventing dangerous drugs into our communities.”

About CBP:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the nation’s largest federal law enforcement agency charged with securing the nation’s borders and facilitating international travel and trade. Our top priority is to keep terrorists and their weapons from entering the United State. At the nation’s more than 300 ports of entry, CBP officers have a complex mission with broad law enforcement authorities tied to screening all foreign visitors, returning American citizens and imported cargo that enters the U.S

About HSI:

HSI is a critical investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security and is a vital U.S. asset in combating criminal organizations illegally exploiting America’s travel, trade, financial and immigration systems.