McAllen Border Patrol Agents extracting Marijuana from fence posts
LA JOYA, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents seized nearly 500 pounds of marijuana early Wednesday morning that was hidden inside hollowed out wooden posts.
“As our agents continue to disrupt smuggling efforts along the border, drug trafficking organizations resort to desperate measures in an attempt to get their illicit cargo into the United States,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Our agents remain vigilant and will continue to thwart narcotics trafficking efforts despite the tactics used by smugglers.”
Marijuana seized by joint Office of Air and Marine and Border Patrol operation
The seizure occurred when an agent spotted smugglers carrying wooden posts across the Rio Grande. A helicopter from the Office of Air and Marine responded to the area and directed agents on the ground to the location of the smugglers. As agents approached, the smugglers scattered and fled back to Mexico. Agents searched the area and found nearly 20 large wooden posts that had been hollowed out to conceal marijuana. Agents seized more than 230 bundles of marijuana with an estimated value of nearly $390,000. The marijuana will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West 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 telephone number at 800-863-9382.