Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Smugglers kept agents busy this morning by attempting to smuggle more than 1000 lbs. of marijuana worth an estimated $860K.
This morning, agents working near Garciasville, Texas, observed a subject float an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) across the Rio Grande on an inflatable raft. When it made landfall, agents observed several bundles of drugs on the ATV. As the agents attempted to affect the arrest, the ATV operator drove off at a high rate of speed but later abandoned the drugs and ATV. The marijuana weighed 463 pounds and is worth more than $370K. Agents searched for the drug smuggler to no avail.
Later, Weslaco agents working near Mercedes, Texas, observed smugglers load several bundles of drugs into a green Jeep Cherokee. The driver attempted to flee but upon seeing interdicting agents, turned around drove towards the river before coming to a stop. The driver then exited the vehicle, jumped into the Rio Grande, and swam to Mexico. Agents discovered 485 pounds of marijuana worth more than $389K.
Hours later, Harlingen agents near La Rusias, Texas, responded to a concerned citizen call regarding a drug smuggling event in progress. Agents responded and upon arrival they discovered three bundles of abandoned marijuana in the overgrown brush. A search of the immediate area for drug smugglers and additional bundles yielded negative results. The drugs weighed more than 127 pounds, worth more than $102K.
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.
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.
