U.S. Customs & Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers recently seized more than $857,000 of cocaine found in a shipment of tomatoes.

"Securing the cargo environment is a critical mission for CBP and this... significant cocaine seizure underscores the need for our officers to stay ever-vigilant and aware of the narcotics threat while facilitating lawful commerce,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

The seizure occurred at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2004 Freightliner tractor hauling a shipment of tomatoes for a secondary examination. Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, CBP officers discovered 44 packages containing a total 111 pounds of alleged cocaine hidden within the conveyance. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $857,500.

CBP officers seized the narcotics and the case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.