Del Rio Sector Border Patrol agents seize more than $900,000 worth of marijuana in recent weeks

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents throughout Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,135 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of $911,760.

Wednesday, March 6, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass North Station were conducting linewatch operations when they spotted several subjects carrying large duffel bags. When agents approached, the subjects tried to abscond to Mexico, but were arrested after a short foot chase. While searching the area, agents located three abandoned military-style duffel bags. The duffel bags contained 201 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $161,040. The case was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for prosecution.

Saturday, March 9, Del Rio Station agents observed a Mercury four-door sedan coming from a known narcotics smuggling area. Before agents could conduct a vehicle stop, the driver pulled over. During a brief interview, the driver admitted to having illegal narcotics in the trunk of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed three large sugar sacks in the trunk. The sugar sacks contained 215 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $172,504. Both subjects and illegal narcotics were turned over to the Department of Public Safety for prosecution.

Wednesday, March 13, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station discovered foot sign on a local ranch. After following the foot sign, agents discovered four abandoned military-style duffel bags. The duffel bags contained 224 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $179,456.

Wednesday, March 13, Carrizo Springs Station agents encountered six abandoned military-style duffel bags while conducting linewatch operations on a local ranch. The duffel bags contained 140 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $112,080.

Sunday, March 17, Eagle Pass South agents encountered five abandoned military style duffel bags, on a local ranch. The duffel bags contained 358 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $286,680.

All cases were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, unless otherwise noted.

For Fiscal Year 2013, the Del Rio Sector has seized over 15,000 pounds of Marijuana worth an estimated $12 million dollars.

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.