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  4. Rio Grande Valley Agents Thwart Multiple Drug Smuggling Attempts

Rio Grande Valley Agents Thwart Multiple Drug Smuggling Attempts

Release Date
Fri, 05/29/2020

EDINBURG, Texas – On Wednesday, Border Patrol agents foiled three drug smuggling attempts that resulted in the seizure of more than 350 pounds of marijuana worth over $280K.

On Wednesday night, Rio Grande City agents working near Roma, Texas, observed several drug smugglers load bundles into a GMC Acadia. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle traveled north at a high rate of speed towards U.S. Highway 83. As agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, the passenger began to throw the marijuana bundles from the moving vehicle. Border Patrol contacted the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Roma Police Department regarding the pursuit. Moments later, DPS advised they were in pursuit of the vehicle, nearing the Zapata County line. DPS troopers arrested the driver and passenger after they abandoned the vehicle in an attempt to abscond. The marijuana weighed more than 91 pounds, worth more than $73K. DPS took custody of the subjects, drugs, and vehicle.

A few hours later, agents working near Escobares, Texas, observed several drug smugglers walking north of the Rio Grande with bundles on their backs. As the agents attempted to apprehend them, the smugglers dropped the bundles and went back to Mexico. A search of the immediate area resulted in the seizure of four bundles of marijuana, weighing 184 pounds, worth $147K.

Additionally, Border Patrol agents working near Brownsville, Texas, seized 76 pounds of marijuana, worth nearly $61K.

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.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021