EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents interdict narcotic smuggling attempts.
Wednesday night, agents working at the Sarita Checkpoint referred a tractor-trailer to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the trailer. At secondary, the inspection revealed over 173 pounds of marijuana commingled with produce. The narcotics has an estimated value of $139K.
The Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the subject, narcotics and tractor-trailer.
Thursday, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Agents working near Roma, Texas, observed a dark colored sports utility vehicle leaving a well-known smuggling location at a high rate of speed. As agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, the driver abruptly stopped and bailed out in an attempt to escape. Agents located the man after a brief search of the area with the assistance of a Border Patrol K-9 team. A search of the vehicle revealed nearly 137 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $110K.
The Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force took custody of the narcotics, driver and vehicle.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.