EDINBURG, Texas – Over the past few days, Rio Grande Valley agents intercepted three drug smuggling attempts that resulted in the seizure of more than 900 pounds of marijuana.
Sunday morning, Fort Brown agents working near Brownsville, Texas, observed several subjects approach the border fence carrying suspected bundles of narcotics. As the agents attempted to arrest them, the smugglers dropped the bundles and fled into the nearby brush. With the assistance of a K-9 team, agents located and arrested five Mexican nationals. An additional search of the area led to the discovery of 121 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $97K.
That same day, Rio Grande City agents in Escobares, Texas, witnessed multiple subjects carrying bundles of narcotics walking north of the Rio Grande. As the agents moved in to intercept, the smugglers dropped their bundles and ran into the dense brush. Agents searched the immediate area and secured over 300 pounds of marijuana worth more than $241K.
The following evening, agents working near Garceno, Texas, observed several suspected drug smugglers walking north on a trail well-known for illicit activity. As the nearby agents attempted to arrest them, the smugglers dropped the bundles and attempted to evade arrest. An extensive search of the brush led to the arrest of two Mexican nationals and the seizure of more than 480 pounds of marijuana worth more than $384K.
Border Patrol processed the subjects and cases accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
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.