Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,100 Pounds of Marijuana Worth an Estimated $1 Million
Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of $1 million in five different incidents, in recent weeks.
On Feb. 21 at approximately 10 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, discovered six large black trash bags wrapped in brown cellophane tape which were abandoned under some brush. After a search of the immediate area agents encountered several individuals hiding in the brush. The several subjects absconded and agents arrested one Mexican national hiding in the brush. The six bags contained 445 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $353,320. The marijuana was turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
On Feb. 23 at approximately 9 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station conducting linewatch operations spotted two subjects walking along the Rio Grande River. As the agents approached the area, they discovered two bundles along the river. The two subjects absconded to Mexico. The two bundles containing 112 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $90,160, were turned over to DEA.
On Feb. 24 at approximately 10 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station conducting linewatch operations, followed foot sign leading to the Rio Grande River. After a search of the area, agents discovered three bundles in some brush. The agents seized the bundles containing 224 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $179, 600. The narcotics were turned over to the DEA.
On Feb. 25 at approximately 10 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, discovered three military style green duffel bags containing 132 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $106,368. DEA agents took custody of the marijuana.
On Feb. 25 at approximately 9 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting roving patrol operations, observed a suspicious white Jeep Cherokee driving out of a ranch along Highway 277. Agents attempted to perform an immigration inspection of the vehicle using their emergency equipment. The vehicle then came to a stop on Highway 277. While approaching the vehicle, agents observed several bundles inside the vehicle. Agents placed the United States citizen driver of the vehicle under arrest. The agents seized the bundles containing 254 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $203,440. The driver and the narcotics were turned over to the DEA.
For Fiscal Year 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than $6.5 million worth of narcotics. 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.
To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
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.
