EDINBURG, Texas –Smuggling efforts continue in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. This weekend, agents kept $220K worth of cocaine and $540K in marijuana from reaching our communities.
On the evening of May 1, 2020, a pick-up truck approached the primary inspection lane of the Javier Vega, Jr. Checkpoint where a service K-9 alerted to the vehicle. During further inspection, agents discovered bundles of cocaine weighing 7.1 lbs, with an estimated value of more than $220K.
Early this morning, agents working at the Falfurrias checkpoint, referred a Ford F-150 to the secondary inspection area for further investigation. A search of the vehicle produced 17 bundles of marijuana, weighing approximately 304 lbs. The driver was arrested.
On Saturday, agents assigned to the Rio Grande City (RGC) station responded to a report of individuals illegally crossing the border near the Roma Port of Entry. Agents discovered one bundle of marijuana, weighing 46 lbs., but could not locate the smugglers.
Also on Saturday, agents from the Fort Brown station recovered four bundles of marijuana, weighing 94 lbs., after smugglers abandoned it and fled back to Mexico.
Additionally, on Friday evening, RGC agents assigned to the Horse Patrol Unit seized 230 lbs. near Escobares, Texas.
The drugs in all cases will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.