LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped two narcotics smuggling attempts, seizing almost 900 lbs. of marijuana near the Rio Grande River.
The first attempt occurred on the afternoon of July 3, when agents assigned to Laredo South Station observed eight subjects swimming across the Rio Grande River near El Cenizo, Texas and load the bundles into a white sedan. When agents approached the vehicle, the subjects absconded back to Mexico. Agents found seven bundles inside the vehicle that weighed approximately 535.8 lbs. with an estimated street value of $428,640.
The second incident occurred during the early evening of July 6, when agents assigned to Laredo North Station and the Marine Unit responded to an alert of subjects crossing the Rio Grande River in west Laredo. As they approached the area, the agents saw multiple subjects swim back across the river to Mexico. Agents discovered four bundles of marijuana that had an approximate weight of 348.3 lbs. and an estimated value of $278,664.
In both instances, the contraband was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents continue to secure the Nation’s borders and prevent the smuggling of drugs and other threats to our Nation’s security. Their mission is to target and investigate potential violators of the law and stop transnational criminal organizations from their illegal activities by utilizing state-of-the-art intelligence data, equipment, collection, and analytics.
Take a stand against these criminal organizations and other potentially dangerous acts by reporting suspicious activity. To report suspicious activity such as human and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994. If you see something, say something.