Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents throughout Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of $977,272.
On April 18, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station encountered a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup while patrolling on a local ranch. While agents were conducting records checks on the driver and passenger, another agent discovered a cache of marijuana nearby. Agents seized five bundles of marijuana, weighing a total of 218 pounds, worth an estimated $174,536. The two subjects were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations agents for prosecution.
In another seizure on April 18, agents working at the Highway 57 checkpoint encountered a Chrysler 300 suspected of transporting illegal narcotics. After a search of the vehicle, agents found a total of 43 cellophane-wrapped bricks. The bricks contained a total of 42 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $33,728.
Tuesday, April 23, Eagle Pass North Station agents observed a Ford Mustang, with two occupants, in an area known for narcotics smuggling. When the agents conducted a vehicle stop, the driver attempted to abscond. Agents apprehended the driver after a short foot chase. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed three military-style duffel bags in the back of the vehicle. The duffel bags contained 264 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $211,280. The driver, who is a U.S. citizen, the vehicle, and the marijuana, were turned over to the FBI. The passenger was turned over to the Eagle Pass Police Department.
In several separate incidents from April 17-24, agents from the Eagle Pass South Station seized 695 pounds of abandoned marijuana worth an estimated $557,728. In all of the seizures, Border Patrol agents encountered foot sign along known narcotics smuggling trails. While walking the trails, agents encountered a total of six military-style duffel bags and four large sugar sacks containing mariuana.
All cases were tuned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, unless otherwise noted.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. For Fiscal Year 2013, the Del Rio Sector has seized over 24,500 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $19.6 million dollars.
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.