Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,330 lbs of Narcotics
(Press Release) U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,330 pounds of narcotics, valued over $ 1,066,400, in seven different incidents.
“Dangerous drug trafficking organizations attempt all means to exploit our border and smuggle narcotics into the United States,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “I am proud of the men and women of the Del Rio Sector for their hard work and success in these seizures. We are committed to disrupting criminal groups that threaten our safety.”
On Jan. 6, agents from the Eagle Pass Border Patrol Station were following footprints through a remote area where they encountered four military-style duffel bags containing marijuana. The contraband weighed over 272 pounds and is worth an estimated $217,840. Later on Jan. 9, agents encountered several individuals illegally crossing the Rio Grande River. The individuals fled back to Mexico. Agents searched the area where they discovered two hidden duffel bags that contained more than 69 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $55,600. Lastly, on Jan. 22, agents were conducting linewatch operations when they thwarted an attempted smuggling event. Agents were actively pursuing several individuals when they seized six military-style duffel bags containing over 339 pounds of marijuana that is worth an estimated $271,680. The individuals absconded to Mexico via the Rio Grande River.
On Jan. 9, an agent from the Uvalde Border Patrol Station was patrolling an area commonly utilized for alien and narcotic smuggling when he discovered five green duffel bags and one loose package that contained more than 284 pounds of marijuana, valued at $227,680.
On Jan. 13, agents from the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Station were performing linewatch operations when a Border Patrol canine alerted to the scent of narcotics in a remote area. The canine led agents to an abandoned, military-style duffel bag hidden beneath a tree. The bag contained 66 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $53,040.
On Jan. 18, marine units from the Comstock Border Patrol Station, were conducting boat patrol operations when they discovered an abandoned sack near a river landing. The agents recovered the bag and found that it contained a total of 29 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated amount of $23,280.
On Jan. 19, agents from the Brackettville Border Patrol Station, were following multiple sets of footprints though remote terrain where they discovered six large bundles of marijuana concealed under a tree. Agents seized more than 271 pounds of marijuana, valued at $217,280.
All seized contraband was turned over to DEA.
For Fiscal Year 2017, which began on Oct. 1, 2016, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized more than $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.
