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  4. Rio Grande Valley Agents rescue 20 people; seize nearly 2 tons of marijuana

Rio Grande Valley Agents rescue 20 people; seize nearly 2 tons of marijuana

Release Date
Tue, 08/11/2015

EDINBURG, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector rescued 20 people and seized more than $3.1 million worth of20 Subjects Rescued by Falfurrias Agents marijuana in multiple incidents this past weekend.
The rescue occurred Friday when a man, who is a United States citizen, approached the Falfurrias Checkpoint in a tractor-trailer. During an immigration inspection a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the trailer. Upon further inspection, agents rescued 20 illegal aliens, who were locked inside the trailer with no means of escape. The driver was arrested and the case was referred to the Rio Grande Valley Sector Prosecution’s North Office.

The largest marijuana seizure occurred that same day when agents assigned to the Harlingen Station, along with the assistance of an Office of Air and Marine helicopter, seized more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana near Santa Maria. Additionally, several suspected smugglers were arrested. The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Marijuana Seized by Harlingen Agents Several additional seizures brought the total amount of marijuana confiscated from Friday through Sunday to nearly 4,000 pounds.

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.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021