/>iEDINBURG, Texas – Since Tuesday, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents intercepted five drug smuggling attempts that resulted in the seizure of more than 900 pounds of marijuana and the discovery of a firearm, ammunition and currency.
On Tuesday, McAllen agents working near Mission, Texas, received information of an on-going drug smuggling attempt at a nearby state park. Agents and a Border Patrol K-9 unit responded to the area and, after a thorough search of the brush, discovered more than 185 pounds of abandoned marijuana. The drugs are worth an estimated $148K.
Yesterday morning, Weslaco agents patrolling near Mercedes, Texas, observed several shoe prints walking away from the Rio Grande. Agents followed the tracks into the thick brush and discovered more than 110 pounds of abandoned marijuana worth more than $91K. Upon discovery of the drugs, agents observed multiple subjects swim back to Mexico.
A few hours later, Rio Grande City agents in Escobares, Texas, responded to a report of several smugglers loading drugs into a Chevrolet Suburban parked along the Rio Grande riverbank. Agents immediately responded and upon arrival observed several people swimming to Mexico. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of more than 345 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $278K. While searching the immediate area, agents located and arrested two United States citizens and two Mexican nationals hiding nearby. The subjects were in possession of over $12K in cash, a .40mm firearm, and some ammunition. Border Patrol turned the case over to the Starr County Sheriffs Office.
That same evening, National Guard personnel on patrol in Bluetown, Texas, advised nearby agents they observed multiple subjects running away from the Rio Grande carrying bundles of suspected narcotics. Upon arrival to the area, agents arrested three Mexican nationals and seized more than 160 pounds of marijuana worth over $131K.
A few minutes later, Fort Brown agents working near Brownsville, Texas, received information of a drug smuggling attempt in an area commonly used by drug smugglers. As the agents arrived to the area, they observed multiple subjects running northwest of their position. Agents secured a perimeter of the area and a thorough search ensued. As a result of the search, agents arrested four smugglers and recovered nearly 100 pounds of marijuana worth more than $79K.
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.
Release Date: August 21, 2020 from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
