Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Seizes 1,300 Pounds of Marijuana
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,300 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of more than $1,000,000 in five different incidents.
“Our agents are committed to disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics into the country,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Rodolfo Karisch. “I commend our agents for their hard work and dedication for protecting our nation’s borders.”
On September 3, at approximately 3 p.m., an agent from the Comstock Station, conducting linewatch operations discovered foot sign in an area known for contraband smuggling near a ranch west of Langtry. As the agent tracked the sign he found several green military style duffel bags that had been abandoned, behind some brush. A search of the area for subjects indicated that they traveled south back towards Mexico. The duffel bags contained 473 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated valued $379, 120. The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On September 6, at approximately 6 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, conducting linewatch operations on a local ranch near Eagle Pass observed foot sign of several individuals walking away from the Rio Grande. As agents followed the foot sign they discovered five large military style duffel bags laying in the brush. An extensive search of the immediate was conducted and no subjects were located. The bags contained 217 pounds of marijuana at an estimated value of 173, 800. The marijuana was turned over to DEA.
On September 11, at approximately 7 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, conducting linewatch operations, responded to suspicious activity on a local ranch. As agents arrived to the location of the suspicious activity, they encountered two large bundles hidden in the cane on the river’s edge. A search of the immediate area did not result any apprehensions. The bundles contained 217 pounds of marijuana at an estimated value of 173, 840. The marijuana was turned over to DEA.
On September 22, at approximately 10 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations were notified of two subjects making an illegally entry into the U.S. near a ranch southeast of Eagle Pass. As agents responded to the area they encountered foot sign of the two individuals leading away from the river. After following the foot sign, agents apprehended one individual, a Mexican national attempting to conceal himself the brush. After a search of the area, agents discovered two duffel bags nearby. The duffel bags were found to contain 41 pounds of marijuana, valued at $33,384. The marijuana and the subject was turned over to the Maverick County Sherriff’s Office for prosecution.
On October 3, at approximately 2 p.m., an agent from the Comstock Station was conducting roving patrol operations near FM1024 and Highway 90. Upon arriving to the location the agent observed a white Chevy pickup. As the agent began following the pickup the driver began to drive erratically. The agent activated his emergency lights to perform an immigration inspection of the occupant. The pickup pulled over to the side of the road, and as the agent exited his service vehicle, the pickup sped off. The pickup eventually pulled up to a nearby ranch and the driver absconded. A search of the pickup revealed seven green military duffel bags in the bed and in the cab area. There were an additional three bricks wrapped in brown cellophane located in the tool box. An immediate search of the area for the absconded driver was conducted with negative results. The green duffel bags contained a total of 447 pounds of marijuana, valued of $357,760. The contraband will be turned over to the DEA.
During Fiscal Year to Date 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than $11.8 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.
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.
