EDINBURG, Texas – Border Patrol agents seized marijuana in several failed smuggling attempts, one involving a motorcycle floated across the Rio Grande. The three seizures netted more than $390K worth of marijuana.
Yesterday afternoon, agents assigned to the McAllen station’s ATV and Riverine Units responded to an area near Bentsen State Park after hearing the motorcycle’s engine. When agents arrived, the smuggler fled, abandoned the motorcycle, and the five bundles of marijuana he was carrying. After a search, the subject was located on the U.S. bank of the Rio Grande and arrested by riverine agents. During an interview, agents learned that the subject, motorcycle, and narcotics were floated across the river. The total weight of the marijuana was 180lbs.
Two additional seizures occurred in the Rio Grande Valley Sector yesterday. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station seized two bundles of marijuana, weighing 118lbs., near Roma, Texas. In the other seizure, agents assigned to the Brownsville Border Patrol station pursued several subjects running south towards Mexico in near Longoria Road in Brownsville, Texas. The smugglers successfully returned to Mexico, but dropped their contraband. Agents found five bundles of marijuana, weighing 190 lbs., abandoned in an open field.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382
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Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.
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