Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – As Hurricane Hanna recovery efforts remain underway, Border Patrol agents continue to disrupt drug smuggling attempts.
Yesterday afternoon, agents working at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint referred a Chevrolet Tahoe to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K9 alerted. During the secondary inspection, agents discovered 21 bundles of marijuana concealed within the vehicle. The marijuana weighed more than 50 pounds is worth an estimated $45K. Agents arrested the driver and turned the case over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for prosecution.
Later that afternoon, agents responded to a report of several subjects running with suspected bundles of narcotics near Rio Grande City, Texas. As agents approached the area, they observed the group of smugglers abandon the bundles and run back toward the Rio Grande. Agents seized a total of five bundles of marijuana, with a combined weight of more than 230 pounds and worth an estimated $188K.
At the same time, Rio Grande City agents responded to a second group of smugglers carrying bundles of narcotics within miles of the previous group. When agents approached, the smugglers dropped the bundles and swam to Mexico. Agents seized seven bundles of marijuana weighing more than 380 pounds and worth an estimated $306K.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV, and @USBPDepChiefRGV.
