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  4. BBT Agents and Law Enforcement Partners Seize Over Ton of Marijuana

BBT Agents and Law Enforcement Partners Seize Over Ton of Marijuana

Release Date
Thu, 10/27/2016

MARFA, Texas – Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents in conjunction with their law enforcement partners seized a total of 1,484 pounds of marijuana over a span of six days. The value of the contraband is estimated at $1.18 million. 

All of these cases involved groups of backpackers who were attempting to smuggle marijuana into the country by carrying approximately 50 pounds of the contraband on their backs.

The first seizure occurred on October 17 when Marfa Border Patrol agents, with the assistance of CBP Air and Marine Operations, arrested five men from Mexico and seized approximately 360 pounds of marijuana west of Marfa.  The case was turned over to to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.   

On October 21, Presidio Border Patrol agents patrolling near the river arrested five men from Mexico and seized four large packs containing 271 pounds of marijuana.  The men and marijuana were also turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

On October 22, Marfa Border Patrol agents in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations Presidio Office and the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office arrested five men from Mexico who were attempting to carry marijuana backpacks around the checkpoint south of Marfa.  The total weight of the marijuana seized was 298 pounds. The men and the marijuana were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. 

Then on Oct. 23, Alpine Border Patrol agents in conjunction with the Homeland Security Investigations Presidio Office seized a van and four backpacks containing approximately 279 pounds of marijuana. Three Mexican Nationals and one United States Citizen were arrested after they fled the scene when Border Patrol agents pulled them over south of Alpine on Hwy 118. The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.

On the same day in a separate case, Marfa agents in conjunction with the Homeland Security Investigations Presidio Office seized 276 pounds of marijuana and arrested five men from Mexico west of Marfa.  The men and the narcotics were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations Presidio.

Big Bend Sector Border Patrol continues to work diligently with its law enforcement partners to secure the 510 miles of border in its area of responsibility.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021