EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to disrupt marijuana smuggling attempts throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
seized by agents
On Sunday morning, Kingsville agents assigned to train check duties near Sarita, Texas, boarded a rail car after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo. Upon inspection, agents discovered eight duffle bags containing 70 bundles of marijuana weighing over 390 pounds worth an estimated $315K.
Later that afternoon, agents observed a Chevrolet Impala traveling away from the Rio Grande at a high rate of speed in a desolate area near Donna, Texas. As mobile units approached the vehicle, the driver attempted to evade agents and eventually abandoned the vehicle. Agents arrested the driver after a Border Patrol K-9 successfully located him hiding in the brush nearby. Inside the vehicle, agents discovered 11 bundles of marijuana weighing over 320 pounds worth an estimated $261K.
The following morning, Fort Brown agents observed several subjects carrying bundles of narcotics near Brownsville, Texas. As agents responded, the smugglers abandoned the bundles and fled to Mexico. A search of the immediate area resulted in the arrest of Mexican juvenile and three bundles of marijuana weighing over 100 pounds. The narcotics are worth an estimated $81K.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.