Archived Content
Smuggler plunges vehicle with drugs into river in the Rio Grande Valley
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – A reckless drug smuggler purposely drove his vehicle into the Rio Grande on Tuesday, leaving behind over $1 million dollars’ worth of marijuana.
The incident occurred when Rio Grande City Station Agents working near the river received a tip about a vehicle loaded with narcotics in the area. Agents searched the area and observed the Jeep Grand Cherokee abruptly turn around, drive south at a high rate of speed and plunge the vehicle into the river. The driver and several subjects swam back to Mexico.
A unit from the Mission Fire Department responded and retrieved the vehicle from the Rio Grande. Once extracted, agents located numerous bundles of marijuana inside that weighed almost 1,300 pounds and have an estimated value of over $1 million dollars.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection