U.S. Customs and Border Protection said agents found two backpacks stuffed with over a million dollars worth of cocaine near the Canadian border. Officials said 78 pounds were recovered in the woods in Washington state.
According to a news release on Monday, Dec. 23, agents were patrolling the area and found the large black bags lying on the ground. When they looked inside, they found 30 “brick-like packages,” each of which contained a “white powdery substance, according to the press release.
Border officials said these agents typically stop illegal drugs from entering various communities along the northern border.
“Our agents work tirelessly day in and day out to protect this nation, and this seizure highlights that crucial commitment.”
Chief Patrol Agent Rosario “Pete” Vasquez.
Agents confirmed the powder found in the bricks was cocaine. The drugs were later turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Federal law requires most drugs seized by law enforcement to be destroyed. In some cases, the drugs are retained as evidence for future criminal proceedings.