DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana and 25 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of more than $1.6 million in four different incidents.
“The men and women of the Del Rio Sector Border Patrol continue to work diligently and demonstrate vigilance in protecting our communities from illegal drugs” said Rodolfo Karisch, Chief Patrol Agent, Del Rio Sector.
A 453-pound marijuana load was among the contraband seized recently by Del Rio Sector Border Patrol agents.
On May 23 at approximately 11 a.m., agents from the Comstock Station received a phone call from a local rancher reporting some suspicious packages along a main ranch road. Upon arriving to the location, agents discovered 53 pounds of abandoned marijuana, valued at $43,120. The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On June 5 at approximately 3 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, while conducting checkpoint operations on Highway 57, referred the driver of a GMC Sierra truck to a secondary area for further inspection. During their inspection agents discovered several packages wrapped in black tape and clear cellophane in the front dash panel of the truck. The agents discovered 25 pounds of cocaine, worth $812,480. The narcotics and the subject were turned over to the DEA.
On June 9 at approximately 7 a.m., agents from the Comstock Station, conducting linewatch operations, found eight large green duffel bags. As they searched the immediate area, several individuals stood up from behind some brush and began running south. After a short foot chase, agents arrested one Mexican national. The duffel bags were found to contain 551 pounds of marijuana, valued at $441,440. The narcotics were turned over to the DEA.
On June 9 at approximately 2 p.m., an agent from the Comstock Station witnessed several individuals loading duffel bags into a truck. The truck then continued to drive east on Highway 90. The agent attempted to approach the truck, but the truck pulled off to the side of the road and drove through a ranch fence. The driver and its occupants exited the truck and ran south. While securing the vehicle, the agent observed several bundles inside and a further search revealed several bundles in the bed of the vehicle. A search of the area for the subjects, resulted in one apprehension. A total of 453 pounds of marijuana was seized, valued at $363,056. The narcotics and the subject were turned over to the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
For Fiscal Year 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than $9.6 million worth of narcotics. The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, 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.