Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents throughout Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,260 pounds of narcotics in recent weeks.
On Feb. 28, agents from the Eagle Pass South Station were conducting linewatch operations in an area known for human and illegal narcotics smuggling when they observed several individuals illegally crossing the Rio Grande River into the United States. Agents encountered five individuals, four of whom were carrying large green duffel bags, which are commonly used to smuggle illegal narcotics into the United States. Agents apprehended one of the individuals; the others absconded to Mexico. A search of the immediate area revealed a total of four military-style duffel bags containing a total of 268 pounds of marijuana worth more than $214,400.
On March 6, Eagle Pass South Station agents conducting linewatch operations observed three individuals illegally crossing the Rio Grande River into the United States. Agents encountered the three individuals carrying large burlap sacks, which are commonly used to smuggle illegal narcotics into the United States. Agents apprehended one individual; the other two absconded to Mexico. A search of the immediate area revealed a total of six burlap sacks containing a total of 223 pounds of marijuana worth more than $178,400.
In several incidents between March 10 and March 18, agents from Del Rio Sector seized 772 pounds of abandoned marijuana worth more than $617,600 while patrolling the border.
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. So far during Fiscal Year 2014, which began Oct.1, 2013, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than 9,400 pounds of marijuana worth more than $7.5 million dollars.