Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Since Saturday, agents intercepted more than 700 pounds of marijuana.
On Saturday, Rio Grande City agents near Roma, Texas, witnessed several smugglers walking north of the Rio Grande on a trail in the brush. As the agents attempted to arrest the smugglers, they dropped the bundles and fled to Mexico. Agents searched the immediate area and located over 180 pounds of marijuana worth more than $150K. Border Patrol turned the drugs over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Monday evening, Rio Grande City agents observed a black Ford Expedition leave the Rio Grande at a high rate of speed. As nearby agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, the driver refused to yield and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end when the driver abandoned the vehicle at a dead end street and attempted to flee. After a brief foot chase, agents apprehended the driver, later identified as a Mexican national, and placed him under arrest. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 290 pounds of marijuana, worth $232K.
An hour later, McAllen agents working in Mission, Texas, observed several subjects walking away from the Rio Grande carrying suspected bundles of narcotics through the thick brush. As agents and a K-9 team attempted to interdict the group, they abandoned the bundles and fled. The bundles weighed more than 240 pounds, worth an estimated $192K.
Border Patrol processed the subjects and cases accordingly.
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.
