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Abandoned Cocaine Shipment Discovered Near U.S.-Canada Border

Authorities reported that two abandoned backpacks containing nearly 78 pounds of cocaine, valued at over $1.1 million, were discovered close to the Canadian border in Washington state.

This significant find occurred on December 19, when agents from the Blaine Sector were conducting patrols. The details were shared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in a statement released on December 23. Read the press release here.

The Blaine Sector, which covers a vast region including the western half of Washington, Alaska, and Oregon, located the two large black bags in a wooded area in Lynden, Washington.

The backpacks contained “30 brick-like packages” filled with a white powdery substance, which was later confirmed to be cocaine. This seizure is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and prevent dangerous substances from entering communities.

Upon testing, the substance was verified to be approximately 78 pounds of cocaine, and it was subsequently handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further handling.

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection mentioned that the cocaine is believed to have been smuggled in from Canada. “Border Patrol on the U.S. side and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted searches on their side, but unfortunately, no suspects were identified,” they stated.

In a statement recognizing the hard work of the agents involved, Chief Patrol Agent Rosario “Pete” Vasquez highlighted the importance of vigilance along the border. “Thanks to the vigilance of Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents, these dangerous narcotics were prevented from reaching our communities. Our agents work tirelessly day in and day out to protect this nation, and this seizure underscores that commitment,” he noted.

In 2024 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported seizing over 68,000 pounds of cocaine, illustrating the agency’s ongoing battle against drug smuggling. For more information on drug seizure statistics, you can visit their official website.

The DEA classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug, indicating it as a “dangerous” substance with a high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Understanding the implications of cocaine use is crucial, as noted by the DEA. The physiological effects of cocaine can include heightened blood pressure and heart rate, dilated pupils, and insomnia, while extensive abuse may result in severe health risks such as cardiac arrest, convulsions, strokes, and even death. For more details, you can check the DEA’s scheduling guidelines here.

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people.com