Backpacks Containing Over $1.1 Million of Cocaine Found Near Washington-Canada Border

Two abandoned backpacks containing approximately 78 pounds of cocaine worth over $1.1 million were found near the Canadian border in Washington, authorities said.

The discovery was made while agents assigned to the Blaine Sector were out on patrol Thursday, Dec. 19, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a Monday, Dec. 23 press release.

The Blaine Sector — which services the entire Western half of Washington, Alaska, and Oregon — found the two large black bags in a wooded area near the border in Lynden, Wash.

They were found lying on the ground holding “30 brick-like packages containing a white powdery substance,” with an estimated value of more than $1.1 million, per the press release.

After undergoing testing, the substance was confirmed to be approximately 78 pounds of cocaine and turned over to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson tells PEOPLE that the cocaine was smuggled in from Canada.

“Border Patrol on the U.S. side of the border and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police searched the other side, but no suspects were found,” the spokesperson said.

In a statement included in the news release, Chief Patrol Agent Rosario “Pete” Vasquez recognized the agents for their “vigilance.”

“Thanks to the vigilance of Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents these dangerous narcotics were prevented from reaching our communities. Our agents work tirelessly day in and day out to protect this nation, and this seizure highlights that crucial commitment,” Vasquez said.

Over 68,000 pounds of cocaine have been seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2024, the agency notes on its website.

The DEA classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug, which is described as a “dangerous” substance “with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.”

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The agency explains that the physiological effects of cocaine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dilated pupils, and insomnia. Widespread abuse can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, convulsions, strokes and death.