Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Seizes 1,000 Pounds of Marijuana

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of more than $842,000 in three different incidents.

On July 21, at approximately 8 p.m., an agent from the Comstock Station, conducting roving patrol operations, was attempting to follow a suspicious pick-up truck on Highway 90. As the agent crested a hill he noticed that the truck was on the west side of the road parked parallel to a fence at the bottom of a draw. As the agent neared the vehicle he observed the driver run out of the vehicle. Agents performed a search of the area for the subject with negative results. Upon inspecting the truck they discovered large green duffel bags full of marijuana in the bed and back seat of the truck. The marijuana had a total weight of 446 pounds, valued at $357,440. The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“The men and women of the Del Rio Sector Border Patrol are committed to disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics,” said Rodolfo Karisch, Chief Patrol Agent, Del Rio Sector. “I commend our agents for their hard work and their attention to detail.”

On Aug. 1, at approximately 10 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station were conducting linewatch operations at a local ranch. As the agents approached a road that led to the Rio Grande River they heard noises. As they investigated where the noise came from, they came across two black duffel bags. A search of the area for subjects and more duffel bags were negative. The duffel bags contained 117 pounds of marijuana, valued at $93,920. The marijuana was turned over to the DEA.

On Aug. 5, at approximately 7 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station were conducting linewatch operations, when they observed several individuals making illegal entry into the U.S. carrying what appeared to be large bundles. The agents then observed the individuals load the large bundles into a pick-up truck. Agents attempted to pull the vehicle over but it failed to yield. The truck turned toward the Rio Grande River and proceeded to drive south. The truck then came to a stop near the river and the driver absconded, south toward Mexico. While securing the truck, the agents observed large bundles in the back seat. A total of 488 pounds of marijuana was seized, valued at $391,144. The marijuana was turned over to the DEA.

For Fiscal Year 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than $11 million worth of narcotics. The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the 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 number at 1-866-511-8727.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.

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.