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  4. Agents Continue to Encounter Armed Subjects in the Rio Grande Valley

Agents Continue to Encounter Armed Subjects in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Mon, 07/27/2020

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents seized two firearms during separate drug smuggling attempts.

Yesterday afternoon, agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a Ford Escape to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K9 alerted to the vehicle. At secondary, agents discovered two small bags of marijuana, along with other drug paraphernalia. Agents also located a loaded 9mm firearm, which records indicated was stolen. Agents arrested a 30 year-old United States citizen, who claimed ownership of the marijuana and firearm, and turned him over to the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office.

Early this morning, agents working along U.S. Highway 77 near Armstrong, Texas, attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a white Ford Taurus. The driver of the Taurus refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end when the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Inside the vehicle agents located a loaded .45 caliber firearm on the driver’s side door. Additionally, agents found a large amount of cash in the center console and several bundles of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle.

So far this fiscal year, Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector have seized more than 100 firearms that were discovered during the commission of a crime, a nearly twofold increase compared to same time period as last year.

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.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021