DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,700 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value over $1.3 million within a week.
On Aug. 7, at approximately 4:30 pm, agents from the Comstock Station were attempting to backtrack a group of suspected undocumented aliens east of the Shumla rest area when they witnessed several suspects running toward Mexico. It was determined that they made it to Mexico and after going back to search the area that they had run from, agents discovered seven duffel bags abandoned on the ground. The duffel bags contained 543 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $434,400. Agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the marijuana.
Aug. 5, at approximately 1 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station conducting linewatch operations near Eagle Pass spotted several bundles on a trail leading away from the Rio Grande River. Upon further investigation it was determined that the bundles were abandoned. The bundles contained 405 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $324,160. DEA took custody of the contraband. Just an hour later, agents from the Eagle Pass Station were conducting linewatch operations near Normandy, when they discovered six abandoned bundles on a nearby ranch. The duffel bags contained 345 pounds of marijuana, worth approximately $276,240. DEA took custody of the narcotics.
On Aug. 4, agents from the Eagle Pass Station responded to a report of suspicious activity on FM 1664. Upon arrival agents discovered a green Ford Expedition leaving the area with what appeared to be a blanket covering something in the back of the vehicle. While on Highway 277, the agents activated their emergency lights and performed a vehicle stop on the Expedition. Upon inspection, agents discovered several large bundles of what appeared to be narcotics. The narcotics, the vehicle, and the female driver were taken to the station for processing. The Expedition contained 448 pounds of marijuana at an estimated value of $358,960. The subject, vehicle, and marijuana were turned over to DEA.
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. For Fiscal Year 2014, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than 18,820 pounds of marijuana worth over an estimated $15 million dollars.