DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,400 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of $1.1 million in five different incidents in recent weeks.
On Oct. 21 at approximately 7 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, patrolling on FM 1021, observed three individuals load large bundles into a vehicle. When agents inspected the vehicle, they discovered bundles of narcotics in back seat. The bundles contained 256 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $205,384.
On Oct. 20 at approximately 2 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling discovered five large sacks containing 446 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $357,360. The contraband was partially concealed in a brushy area.
On Oct. 18 at approximately 7 a.m., agents from the Carrizo Springs Station were conducting linewatch operations when a Border Patrol canine alerted to a thick brush pile. Upon further investigation, agents discovered five green military style duffel bags, which are commonly used by criminal organizations to smuggle narcotics across the border. The duffel bags were recovered and taken to the station for processing. The duffel bags contained 228 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $183,040.
On Oct. 16 at approximately 2 p.m., agents from the Comstock Station approached a pickup truck parked off the road on Highway 90 to conduct a welfare check. As they neared the vehicle agents witnessed three individuals abscond south toward Mexico. When the agents inspected the vehicle they discovered what appeared to be bundles of narcotics in the bed and back seat of the vehicle. The vehicle and the bundles were taken to the station for processing. A total of 441 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $352,960 was seized.
On Oct. 14 at approximately noon, Del Rio agents conducting checkpoint operations on Highway 277 directed the driver of a Ford F-150 flatbed truck to a secondary inspection area after a service canine alerted to the rear of the truck. Agents discovered that the spare tire of the vehicle contained small cellophane-wrapped bundles. A total 36 pounds of marijuana were discovered, worth an estimated $29,200.
Agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the marijuana in all of the seizures.
For Fiscal Year 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than $1.1 million worth of marijuana. 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.