LAREDO, Texas – With the assistance of state law enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Zapata Station shut down a narcotic smuggling attempt north of San Ygnacio, Texas.
The incident occurred during the afternoon of August 3, when agents responded to an alert of two suspicious pickup trucks traveling through a ranch just off of U.S. Highway 83 (HWY 83) north of the town. Before agents arrived, both vehicles exited the ranch. With the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW), agents were able to locate one of the vehicles after it had been abandoned.
Additional agents observed a truck matching the description of the second vehicle, and followed it southbound into San Ygnacio. When the vehicle entered the town, it changed directions and began traveling northbound on Hwy. 83 again. Agents attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield. With agents in pursuit, the vehicle came to a sudden stop, and the driver attempted to abscond on foot, but was quickly apprehended.
Agents searched the vehicle and discovered 20 bundles of marijuana. The bundles weighed approximately 233.35 lbs. with a value of $186,680.
Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration took the narcotics and the suspect, a U.S. citizen, into custody pending further investigation. The U.S. Border Patrol seized both vehicles.
Even with the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Laredo Sector continue to secure the nation’s borders and prevent the smuggling of drugs.