Major drugs seized include methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, and marijuana. Drug volume seizures in 1999 grew more than 105 percent from 1998. The South Texas POE are among the busiest in the nation. The Laredo, Texas POE is the busiest cargo land POE in the United States. High traffic levels resulting from the North American Free Trade Agreement play a significant role in illicit drug trafficking.
Smugglers attempt to use POE traffic to mask illicit drug transportation.
Interdiction, intelligence, investigations, and prosecution efforts form the Strategy tenants. A centralized Deconfliction Center supports operations across the region. The counterdrug strategy uses a central intelligence center with remote initiative cells to provide tactical and or strategic support. Consolidation allows key LEA leaders to better manage area resources for specific needs. Initiatives in McAllen, Laredo, and San Antonio include task forces with interdiction, investigative, intelligence, and or prosecution efforts.