Del Rio, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents, assigned to the Eagle Pass North Border Patrol Station, seized more than 600 pounds of marijuana with estimated street value of more than $480,000 in two separate seizures Tuesday - rescuing a suspected smuggler in the process.
Around 3 p.m., agents of the Eagle Pass North Station observed six individuals attempting to transport several duffle bags across a large irrigation canal near Eagle Pass. As agents approached the subjects, five swam to the opposite side of the canal to avoid apprehension. The sixth individual, who had tied himself to four of the duffle bags, began to float down the canal. The subject yelled to agents as he floated away that he could not swim.
The man managed to float to the side of the canal with the help of the agents, but he was unable to pull himself out. Agents threw him a floatation device and were then able to retrieve him from the canal, along with the duffle bags. The duffle bags contained more than 280 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of $230,000. The subject and marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Later that evening, Eagle Pass North agents found eight abandoned feed sacks containing marijuana not far from the Rio Grande River. Agents found the contraband after following fresh foot sign leading away from the Rio Grande River. After finding the feed sacks, agents could also see tracks leading back to the Rio Grande River. No arrests were made in connection with the contraband. The marijuana weighed 320 pounds with an estimated value of $256,000. The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.