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  4. Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol seizes marijuana hidden inside PVC pipes in joint effort with Office of Air and Marine

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol seizes marijuana hidden inside PVC pipes in joint effort with Office of Air and Marine

Release Date
Wed, 09/09/2015

LA JOYA, Texas – Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized several PVC irrigation pipes filled with close to 200 pounds of marijuana early Wednesday morning. 

Marijuana hidden within PVC pipes.

Marijuana hidden within PVC pipes.

The seizure occurred when McAllen Station agents and a helicopter from the Office of Air and Marine observed several people crossing the Rio Grande with possible narcotics. Guided by the helicopter pilot, agents approached the area and discovered several PVC pipes that were filled with marijuana. Additionally, the helicopter pilot spotted several smugglers crossing the river back to Mexico.

The pipes were transported to the McAllen Station where agents extracted the marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated value of $140,000 and was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.  

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