Crime

Border Patrol agents searching forest north of Lynden discover backpacks full of cocaine

Backpacks containing 78 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of $1.1 million were found in the woods north of Lynden, Wash., on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Backpacks containing 78 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of $1.1 million were found in the woods north of Lynden, Wash., on Thursday, Dec. 19. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Courtesy to The Bellingham Herald

Border Patrol agents on a routine search of the woods north of Lynden on Thursday discovered a pair of backpacks containing more than $1 million in illegal drugs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Blaine said Monday.

“Upon searching the backpacks, agents found 30 brick-like packages containing a white powdery substance. The substance was later tested and determined to be cocaine,” according to a statement from CBP spokesman Jason Givens issued Monday.

Cocaine with an estimated value of more than $1.1 million was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Givens said.

Profile Image of Robert Mittendorf
Robert Mittendorf
The Bellingham Herald
360-756-2805
Robert Mittendorf covers civic issues, weather, traffic and how people are coping with the high cost of housing for The Bellingham Herald. A journalist since 1984, he also served 22 years as a volunteer firefighter for South Whatcom Fire Authority before retiring in 2025.
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