Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than $880,000 Worth of Marijuana

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents throughout Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,100 pounds of narcotics in recent weeks.

On Jan. 29, agents from the Eagle Pass South Station were conducting linewatch operations in an area known for human and illegal narcotics smuggling when they observed several individuals illegally crossing the Rio Grande River into the United States. Agents encountered four individuals with large green duffel bags, which are commonly used to smuggle illegal narcotics into the United States. Agents apprehended two individuals; the others absconded to Mexico. A search of the immediate area revealed a total of 4 military style duffel bags containing a total of 268 pounds of marijuana worth more than $214,400.

In several incidents between Jan. 31 and Feb. 4, agents from Del Rio Sector seized 835 pounds of abandoned marijuana worth more than $668,000 while patrolling the border.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. So far during Fiscal Year 2014, which began Oct.1, 2013, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than 8,200 pounds of marijuana worth more than  $6.5 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.