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  4. Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol continues to see juveniles exploited by the cartels

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol continues to see juveniles exploited by the cartels

Release Date
Wed, 07/18/2018

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents arrest three juvenile drug smugglers.

Juveniles are increasingly being used in smuggling
Juveniles are increasingly being used
in smuggling

On Thursday, Fort Brown agents observed several subjects illegally enter the United States with bundles of narcotics on their backs. Agents responded and arrested a 25 year-old man and a 15 year-old juvenile. The remaining subjects fled to Mexico. A search of the area led to the discovery of 3 bundles of marijuana weighing over 64 pounds with an estimated street value of over $51K.

Yesterday, also in the Fort Brown area of responsibility, agents responded to a report of four subjects illegally entering the United States. Upon arrival, they located and arrested two 17 year-old juveniles carrying bundles of marijuana and observed the other two subjects jump back into the Rio Grande, returning to Mexico. The marijuana weighed more than 68 pounds and had an estimated street value of over $55K.

The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the subjects were referred for prosecution.

The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns to include “Operation Detour”, an outreach program where agents attend local schools to talk about the dangers and possibility of recruitment of juveniles by the cartels, “Operation Big Rig” which focuses on rescues and danger awareness, and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021