DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,400 pounds of illegal drugs, with an estimated value of $2.4 million, in six different incidents in recent weeks.
On Oct. 24 at approximately 10 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, discovered four large sacks containing 223 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $178,640. The marijuana was turned over to the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office.
On Oct. 25 at approximately 4 p.m., an agent from the Eagle Pass Station approached a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee parked off of Farm to Market Road 1664 near Quemado to conduct a welfare check. As the agent neared the Jeep, five individuals ran from the vehicle and absconded across the Rio Grande river to Mexico. The agent inspected the vehicle and discovered several bundles in the back seat. The bundles contained a total of 360 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $288,560. The marijuana was turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
On Nov. 27 at approximately 8 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station conducting checkpoint operations on Highway 57 referred the driver of a Honda Civic sedan to a secondary area for further inspection. Agents discovered that the rear seat of the vehicle contained small bundles. A total 24 pounds of cocaine was discovered, worth an estimated $781,376. The narcotics were turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
On Nov. 28 at approximately 9 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations, discovered four military-style duffel bags containing 216 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $173,383. DEA agents took custody of the marijuana.
On Oct. 28 at approximately 11 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, discovered five bundles containing 562 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $450,160. The marijuana was turned over to the DEA.
On Nov. 30 at approximately 7 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, conducting checkpoint operations on Highway 57, referred the driver of a GMC Yukon sport utility vehicle to a secondary area for further inspection. Agents discovered that the rear seat of the vehicle contained a sealed package. A total 19 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $626,560, was discovered. Officers from the Department of Public Safety took custody of the narcotics.
For Fiscal Year 2015, which began Oct. 1, 2014, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than $3.5 million worth of illegal drugs. 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.