DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,300 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of more than $1 million in five different incidents, in recent weeks.
On Dec. 19 at approximately 6 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations, responded to a report of suspicious activity in the Normandy area. As agents neared the area they encountered six abandon double bundle feed sacks. The feed sacks contained 539 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $431,760. The marijuana was turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
On Jan. 8 at approximately 2 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, discovered two bundles which were abandoned under some brush. The two bundles containing 48 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $38,632 were turned over to DEA.
On Jan. 9 at approximately 3 p.m., agents from the Comstock Station, conducting roving patrol operations, observed a suspicious Ford pickup truck traveling on Highway 90. Agents attempted to perform an immigration inspection on the passengers of the vehicle using their emergency equipment. The vehicle failed to yield to the emergency equipment and drove south through a fence line east on Highway 90. Agents observed two passengers run out of the vehicle. While securing the vehicle, agents observed several bundles inside and a further search revealed several bundles inside a toolbox in the bed of the vehicle. Agents performed a search of the area for the two subjects but the result was negative. The agents seized the bundles containing 451 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $360,960. The narcotics were turned over to the DEA.
On Jan. 13 at approximately 2 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, conducting linewatch operations, encountered two Mexican nationals hiding in the brush alongside two green duffel bags containing 115 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $92,368. DEA agents took custody of the two subjects and the marijuana.
On Jan. 13 at approximately 7 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations, encountered several individuals carrying backpack-style duffel bags. The subjects abandoned the duffel bags and absconded. After a search of the immediate area agents encountered one Mexican national hiding in the brush. The duffel bags contained 70 bricks, totaling 160 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $128,240. DEA agents took custody of the subject and the marijuana.
For Fiscal Year 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than $5.5 million worth of narcotics. The Del Rio Border Patrol 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 number at 1-866-511-8727.