In a major bust near the U.S.-Canada border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found two abandoned backpacks containing a staggering 78 pounds of cocaine, valued at over $1.1 million. The discovery was made on Thursday, December 19, during a routine patrol by agents from the Blaine Sector in Washington State.
The backpacks, left in a wooded area in Lynden, WA, were filled with 30 brick-like packages of a white powder. After testing, it was confirmed to be cocaine. Authorities believe the drugs were smuggled from Canada, but no suspects were found despite a search by both U.S. and Canadian authorities.
Chief Patrol Agent Rosario “Pete” Vasquez praised the hardworking agents for their “vigilance” in preventing the drugs from reaching U.S. communities. He highlighted how these kinds of seizures are a direct result of Border Patrol’s dedication to protecting the nation.
In 2024 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seized over 68,000 pounds of cocaine, showing the ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug smuggling.
Cocaine is classified as a highly dangerous drug, with serious health risks such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and in severe cases, even death. This seizure is a big win in the fight against drug trafficking, and it shows how vigilance at the border is helping to keep communities safer.
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