Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,200 Pounds of Marijuana
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana, valued over $960,000 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 am proud of the commitment shown by our agents in keeping our community safe.”
On Oct. 25, at approximately 3 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting checkpoint operations on Highway 57, directed the driver of a red Kenworth truck pulling a trailer for a secondary inspection after a service canine alerted to the rear of the trailer. After a thorough inspection of the trailer, agents discovered six gym bags containing 310 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $248,080. The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On Nov. 5, at approximately 12:30 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, responded to report of a suspicious black Ford Mustang on FM 2644 and FM 1021. Agents encountered the vehicle and performed an immigration inspection of the two occupants. The vehicle stop resulted in the discovery of 182 grams of crystal methamphetamine. The passengers and the narcotics were turned over the Texas Department of Public Safety.
On Nov.16, at approximately 6 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations responded to a report of two suspicious vehicles seen near the Lucky Kickapoo Casino. An agent encountered one of the vehicles and attempted to perform an immigration inspection. The vehicle failed to yield and drove erratically on El Indio Highway. After following the vehicle, the agent lost sight of it, but relocated it parked at an empty lot with no occupants or driver. While securing the vehicle, the agent observed several burlap bags in the rear seat of the vehicle. The bags were found to contain 222 pounds of marijuana, valued at $178, 240. The narcotics were turned over to the DEA.
On Nov. 18, at approximately 10 p.m., agents from the Uvalde Station, conducting linewatch operations responded to a report of suspicious activity in an area known for narcotic smuggling. Upon arriving to the location agents began to follow foot-sign and they discovered four duffel bags containing 224 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $179,360. No subjects were located. The narcotics were turned over to DEA.
On Nov. 19, at approximately 3 p.m., agents from the Comstock Border Patrol Station, conducting linewatch operations discovered eight military-style duffel bags lying in the brush on a local ranch. The duffel bags, containing 451 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $360,800. The narcotics were turned over to DEA.
For Fiscal Year 2016, which began on Oct. 1, 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized $2.7 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.
