TABC agents, federal partners seize thousands in illicit alcohol during Laredo operation
LAREDO — Agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s Financial Crimes Unit, along with members of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the IRS, seized a large amount of illicit alcoholic beverages while executing a search warrant at a residence in Laredo on Friday, Aug. 15.
In total, approximately $34,000 in alcoholic beverages — nearly 7,000 individual containers — were seized at the residence during the operation. The alcohol, which investigators believe was brought into the United States from Mexico, was taken to a secure facility for disposal.
Friday’s operation was the culmination of a yearlong investigation by TABC and agents from HSI, Customs & Border Protection, and the IRS. The investigation began when Customs officials intercepted more than 200 liters of illicit alcohol during a routine inspection at the U.S./Mexico border crossing in Laredo. Investigators later uncovered evidence indicating that larger amounts of alcohol were being smuggled into Texas for further distribution to locations such as New York, Oklahoma, and Illinois. The Laredo residence was identified as a possible stash house for the illicit alcohol, leading to Friday’s search of the premises.
“Any alcohol brought into Texas that exceeds what’s allowed for personal importation must be imported by properly licensed entities, and the alcohol is subject to state taxes and safety standards,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “When bad actors bring alcohol into the state illegally, they potentially endanger Texans with products that could be tainted while creating an uneven playing field for the thousands of businesses who operate lawfully. I’m grateful to our TABC agents, our Ports of Entry personnel, and our investigating partners for their diligent work on this case.”
Sec. 107.07 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code outlines the amount of alcohol an individual may personally import into Texas, while setting requirements for taxes and fees due upon importation. Sec. 101.03 of the Code authorizes TABC and its partners to seize and destroy any alcohol brought into the state illegally.
The case remains under investigation by TABC and HSI.
Media Contact:
Chris Porter
TABC Director of Communications
(512) 206-3462