Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize $1.2 Million in Narcotics
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,078 pounds of narcotics, valued at $1.2 million in nine different incidents.
“Del Rio Sector is devoted to the security of this nation by preventing illicit narcotic profits from being earned and returned to the hands of criminals,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Rodolfo Karisch. “The combined efforts of our agents and citizens aid in the success of the Border Patrol mission.”
On Jan 22, at approximately 5 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, spotted several individuals crossing the Rio Grande River carrying multiple sacks. Agents responded to the area and discovered several bags containing 218 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $174,000. The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On Jan. 26, at approximately 10 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, conducting linewatch operations near Loop 480, encountered foot sign of two individuals near the Rio Grande River. Agents followed the sign to a backpack, containing 22 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $18,080. The narcotics were turned over to the DEA.
On Jan. 30, at approximately 8 p.m., agents from the Uvalde Station, conducting linewatch operations located an abandoned duffel bag hidden in the brush containing 57 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $46,160. The narcotics were turned over to the DEA.
On Feb. 6, at approximately 11 a.m., agents from the Uvalde Station, conducting checkpoint operations near Highway 90, referred a subject in a silver sedan to secondary inspection. At secondary, agents discovered 11 pounds of methamphetamine, worth an estimated $ 276,000 hidden in a car battery. The narcotics and subject were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.
On Feb. 18, at approximately 11 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle near Highway 277. Agents responded to the area and encountered a vehicle along with several black plastic bags inside containing 439 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $351,200. Agents apprehended a subject believed to be the driver of the vehicle. The subject, marijuana, and vehicle were turned over to DEA.
On Feb. 24, agents from the Del Rio Station, conducting linewatch operation searched an area known for illegal activity. An abandoned backpack was discovered containing approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine, worth an estimated $74,240. The narcotics were turned over to DEA.
On Feb. 25, at approximately 9 a.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations on foot near Normandy found five abandoned green duffel bags, containing 225 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $180,560. The narcotics were turned over to DEA.
On Mar. 11, at approximately 6 p.m., agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station, conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, encountered one green duffel bag containing two cellophane wrapped bricks of marijuana, totaling 54 pounds, worth an estimated $43,520. The narcotics were turned over to DEA.
On Mar. 13, at approximately 6 p.m., agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station, responded to an area where two individuals were spotted carrying two black bags. After searching the area agents encountered two abandoned black luggage bags, containing a total of 47 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $ 37,840. An immediate search of the area for the subjects was negative. 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 $4.7 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.
