An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. Border Patrol thwarts narcotics smuggling attempt

Border Patrol thwarts narcotics smuggling attempt

Release Date
Wed, 04/26/2017

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Attentive Border Patrol agents prevented a large amount of suspected narcotics from entering the United States.

Bundles of marijuana floating in the Rio Grande
Bundles of marijuana floating in the
Rio Grande

Friday afternoon, Border Patrol agents working near the Rio Grande in Brownsville observed a Ford Ranger floating across the river. The vehicle made landfall on the American bank and continued north on a dirt road. As the agents responded, the driver turned around and drove the truck into the Rio Grande. The driver and several subjects, who were waiting on the Mexican side, began removing bundles from the submerged vehicle.

A total of 44 bundles were seen being taken back into Mexico. The agents’ vigilance and quick response prevented the narcotics from entering our country.

Since October 1, 2016, the beginning of fiscal year 2017, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents have seized over 150,000 pounds of marijuana.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting 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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021