BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized several hundred pounds of marijuana and saved the life of a suspected smuggler who jumped into a resaca to avoid apprehension.
F-250 loaded with marijuana seized by Brownsville agents
The incident occurred Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. when agents assigned to the Brownsville Station were advised of a pickup truck that was possibly involved in illegal activity on the east side of town. As agents approached the area, they were notified about a maroon Ford F-250 driving north from the Rio Grande. Moments later, agents found the pickup abandoned with several bundles of marijuana in the bed of the vehicle. A search of the area resulted in the apprehension of two suspected smugglers. Agents found one of the suspected smugglers calling for help as he struggled to swim in a resaca. A Border Patrol agent immediately jumped into the water and brought the man safely to shore.
The total weight of the marijuana was nearly 460 pounds with an estimated value of more than $367,000. The arrested individuals and the marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle was seized by Border Patrol.
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.
