Massive Cocaine Bust at World Trade Bridge Before Valentine's Day

CBP officers seized over $6.8 million worth of cocaine hidden in a flower shipment

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Customs and Border Protection officers at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas seized over $6.8 million worth of cocaine hidden in a shipment of flowers just before Valentine's Day. The 516.76 pounds of cocaine, equivalent to more than 190,000 lethal doses, was discovered after a tractor-trailer hauling a shipment declared as live flowers was referred for a secondary inspection.

Why it matters

This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by CBP to detect and intercept illegal drug shipments at the border, especially around high-volume shipping periods like Valentine's Day. The large quantity of cocaine seized also underscores the serious public health and safety risks posed by drug trafficking across the U.S. border.

The details

On February 10, 2026, CBP officers at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas discovered 211 packages containing 516.76 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden inside a tractor-trailer shipment that was declared as live flowers. The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is over $6.8 million. Homeland Security Investigations is now leading the investigation into the source and intended distribution of the drugs.

  • The seizure occurred on February 10, 2026, just before Valentine's Day weekend.

The players

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for securing the U.S. borders and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

A division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that investigates a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods into, within and out of the United States.

Alberto Flores

The Port Director of the Laredo Port of Entry for Customs and Border Protection.

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What they’re saying

“The discovery within a shipment of roses demonstrates the vigilance and expertise of our officers. Their commitment to the mission reflects the high standards of service CBP upholds and their actions continue to make a meaningful impact in protecting our nation.”

— Alberto Flores, Port Director, Laredo Port of Entry, Customs and Border Protection

What’s next

Homeland Security Investigations will continue to investigate the source and intended distribution network of the seized cocaine.

The takeaway

This major drug bust at the border underscores the critical role that Customs and Border Protection plays in intercepting illegal narcotics and keeping dangerous substances out of American communities, even during high-volume shipping periods like the lead-up to Valentine's Day.