Edinburg, Texas —U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized nearly $6 million worth of marijuana over the past weekend and arrested two gang members as well as three convicted sex offenders.
One of the largest marijuana seizures occurred early Saturday morning after agents spotted a suspicious vehicle traveling north from the border fence. The vehicle was later located at a house in Weslaco. At the residence agents seized nearly 1,400 pounds of marijuana and a stolen .45 caliber handgun. Additionally, agents arrested the driver of the vehicle and three illegal immigrants.
Another large seizure occurred Sunday near Alamo when agents spotted a marijuana-laden pickup near the Rio Grande. When the pickup’s driver spotted the agents approaching, he made a U-turn and sped back to the river, where he abandoned more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana and fled to Mexico. The pickup used in the smuggling attempt was reportedly stolen and was turned over to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
Numerous smaller seizures pushed the total amount of marijuana confiscated from Friday through Sunday to nearly 7,400 pounds.
During this same period, agents also arrested two members of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, street gang, one of whom had a rape conviction. Additionally, three other individuals, who had convictions for sex crimes with minors, were arrested.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll-free telephone number at (800) 863-9382.