LAREDO, Tx (KGNS) - Update: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection say the canine has been found near Del Mar.

The agency thanks the community for their assistance.

Below is the last updated version of the story:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection needs your help locating a lost canine.

The agency said that A Belgian Malinois who goes by the name Rino was last seen running near International Boulevard towards United High School.

He is five years and eight months and is a tan color.

If you have any information on the canine, you are urged to call U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 956-764-3200 or 956-764-3860.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department has issued a plea to the public for information leading to the arrest of Jose Casarez III, who is wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery case. The incident dates back to May 2023 when a man reported being robbed at knifepoint near Santa Ursula Avenue.

According to the victim, it happened as he was walking near Santa Ursula Avenue. A pickup truck nearly struck him, prompting him to attempt to get the driver’s attention. However, the situation quickly escalated when the driver brandished a knife, demanding money from the victim. After taking the money, the suspect fled the scene in the pickup.

The Laredo Police Department’s Crimes Against Person Investigators have reviewed security camera footage related to the incident. Their investigation led to the identification of Jose Casarez as the prime suspect in the aggravated robbery.

Local authorities are now seeking assistance from the community to locate and apprehend Casarez. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to come forward. You can contact Laredo Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS to provide information or use the Crime Stoppers app for anonymous tip submission.

A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of Jose Casarez III.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - Authorities need your help identifying a small group of individuals believed to be tied to an assault case.

The incident happened at the La Carreta Restaurant located at 9109 McPherson Road on August 5, 2023.

Laredo Police posted pictures of two men and a woman who are believed to be tied to the assault.

If you have any information on their identity or whereabouts you can contact Laredo Police at 956-795-2800.

You can submit a tip through the Crime Stoppers P3 app under “Subject ID” referencing #23-1035.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A car crash at the intersection of McPherson and Bustamante has prompted Laredo police officers to direct traffic in the affected area.

The crash involved a car and an SUV, and while there is no official word on injuries at this time, the damage sustained by the vehicles appears to be significant.

The incident, which happened around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 2, has led to a temporary disruption in the flow of traffic in the area. Drivers are urged to exercise caution if they are traveling through the area while cleanup crews work to clear the scene and ensure the safety of all involved parties.

Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the Laredo Police Department remains on-site to manage traffic.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - A driver is expected to face charges following a multiple vehicle crash that was reported at a busy Laredo intersection.

The crash happened on Loop 20 in front of the Laredo International Airport on Wednesday at around 10:30 p.m.

Video shows the severe damage to both vehicles that prompted multiple first responders to the scene.

According to Laredo Police, three vehicles were involved in the collision.

At least one person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries; however, police say they do not appear to be life-threatening.

WEBB COUNTY, Tex. (KGNS) - The Webb County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Core Civic, the Laredo Fire Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Constable Pct. 2 Mike Villarreal is gearing up for a comprehensive mock drill.

This exercise is set to test and evaluate their mobilization plans, policies, procedures, and staff readiness, with a particular focus on the movement of personnel, patients, and equipment.

The mock drill is taking place on Thursday, November 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon at Core Civic located at 4702 E Saunders Street.

The public should expect increased emergency services and personnel movements during the exercise.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - An investigation led by the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office turns into a multi-year, multi-state investigation into a synthetic drug operation that has resulted in seven individuals being sentenced.

The investigation, known as the “Brain Freeze” case, started by targeting smoke shops in the Laredo and Zapata area and grew to include more than 24 separate business entities.

Federal search warrants issued back in 2015 resulted in the seizure of drugs and guns across two smoke shops, a residence, and two storage units.

Eventually, a Laredo-based smoke shop was implicated -- which led to a larger, intricate network, according to authorities.

The operation spanned Utah, California, Arizona, Texas, and Alaska.

Below is the press release from the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office with additional information on the charges faced by the defendants and their names:

HOUSTON, Texas, November 1, 2023 - Seven individuals have been sentenced following a multi-year, multi-state investigation into a synthetic drug trafficking operation, culminating in the landmark “Brain Freeze” case.

The convicted defendants - Daniel Bowles, Ratchanee McCauley, Don Jessop, Thirawat Athikulrat, Chaunphit Srithongrung, Ernesto Salazar, and Frank Gonzalez - held various roles within the extensive operation spanning Utah, California, Arizona, Texas, and Alaska.

Charges included Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Defraud, Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute or Posses with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Controlled Substance Analogue, Money Laundering Conspiracy, Money Laundering Spending, Money Laundering Concealment, and Manufacture, Distribute with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance Analogue.

The investigation led by the Zapata Sheriff’s Office investigators, initiated by targeting Smoke Shops in the Laredo and Zapata, Texas area, grew to encompass more than 24 separate business entities. The investigation also linked multiple smoke shops in Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Maryland, and Oklahoma, to Bowles.

On April 23, 2015, Federal Search Warrants were executed resulting in the seizure of approximately 50 lbs. of Synthetic Cannabinoids and 10 firearms across two smoke shops, a residence, and two storage units. A further investigation into the Laredo-based Titty Twister smoke shops, owned by a former employee of the Sizzle Smoke Shop and supplied by Bowles, led to more seizures of CSA, firearms, and $35,000 in US currency.

The investigation eventually narrowed its focus on Bowles and his Drug Trafficking Organization, revealing an intricate network. Don Jessop took orders in Salt Lake City, Utah, which were filled and shipped by Chaunphit Srithongrung and Thirawat Athikulrat in California, and payments for products were made to Bowles and Ratchanee McCauley in Cave Creek, AZ.

Financial records indicate that between 2012 and 2019, Bowles received over $15.4 million in illicit proceeds. A 22-count sealed indictment was obtained on October 10, 2019, resulting in the arrest of six defendants across California, Utah, and Arizona, with Bowles surrendering to the US Marshals subsequently.

Despite the pandemic’s challenges, all defendants traveled to Houston to be sentenced, marking a significant milestone in the fight against synthetic drug trafficking.

Assistant United States Attorney Graciela Rodriguez Lindberg lauded the investigation and prosecution, emphasizing the complexity of the offenses, the breadth of the investigation, the vast amount of financial and business records analyzed, and the significant sentences and forfeitures resulting from the team’s patience and tenacity.