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  4. Border Patrol Hinders Smuggling Attempts in the Rio Grande Valley

Border Patrol Hinders Smuggling Attempts in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Thu, 12/20/2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector arrest four narcotic smugglers and assists the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) in disrupting a smuggling attempt.

Monday afternoon, Harlingen agents working near Bluetown, Texas, observed four subjects carrying bundles of marijuana north of the Rio Grande. As agents responded, the subjects entered a cane field in an attempt to hide. Agents, along with a Border K-9 team, entered the cane field and located four illegal aliens. A continued search of the area led to the discovery of the narcotics weighing over 190 pounds, worth an estimated $155K.  The Border Patrol turned over the narcotics to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Tuesday, Fort Brown agents responded to the report of several subjects carrying bundles of narcotics near Brownsville, Texas. As mobile units responded, agents observed a Jeep leave the area at a high rate of speed. After a brief pursuit, agents lost sight of the vehicle and requested assistance from Texas Department of Public Safety troopers. The troopers located the vehicle and advised it had collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Security Drive and Boca Chica Boulevard. After a brief foot pursuit, troopers and agents apprehended the driver and passenger of the Jeep. A search of the vehicle revealed over 360 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $291K. This incident remains under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Wednesday morning, Rio Grande City agents observed several subjects carrying narcotic bundles north of the Rio Grande. As agents encountered the smugglers, they abandoned the narcotics and fled to Mexico. Agents seized four bundles of marijuana weighing over 230 pounds, worth an estimated $186K. The Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the narcotics. 

Border Patrol processed the subjects accordingly. 

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

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