EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted three narcotics smuggling attempts resulting in the seizure of over 900 pounds of marijuana and 46 pounds of cocaine.
Yesterday afternoon, RGV agents along with the Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a Chevrolet pickup truck in Brownsville, Texas. The driver refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end when the driver attempted to drive through a muddy road, which immobilized the vehicle. The driver was seen fleeing into a nearby field. Authorities searched the immediate area for the suspect, however, he was not located. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 33 bundles of marijuana. The marijuana weighs 739 pounds and is valued at over $591K.
Early this morning, Rio Grande City Station agents working near Salineno, Texas, encountered several shoe prints heading away from the Rio Grande. Suspecting an illegal entry had occurred, agents followed the shoe prints to an abandoned house were several bundles of marijuana were located. Agents seized the nine bundles of marijuana and conducted a search of the area for additional bundles and subjects. Agents did not find any additional bundles nor were any suspects encountered. The weight of the marijuana is approximately 255 pounds and is worth over $450K.
Additionally, RGV agents seized more than 46 pounds of cocaine worth more than $1.4 million.
Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.