U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced preliminary results of Operation Southern Surge at a news conference Monday at Bridge II in Laredo. The targeted effort has been underway at several South Texas ports of entry and focuses on drug trafficking, criminal organizations and related illicit activity.
The interagency initiative includes CBP, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Homeland Security Task Force, among other partner agencies.
Adriana Arce of the Laredo Port of Entry said that since the operation began on October 19, officials have arrested 89 people. She said they have seized more than $365,000 in U.S. currency and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition. Officials said they are increasing advanced screening technology, lane inspection staffing and canine teams as part of the operation.