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  4. Over 900 pounds of marijuana seized in less than two hours in the Rio Grande Valley

Over 900 pounds of marijuana seized in less than two hours in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Wed, 02/12/2020

EDINBURG, Texas –Smuggling continues in Starr County, leading to the seizure of more than $730K worth of drugs.

Yesterday morning, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents working in La Rosita, Texas, observed a grey Jeep sports utility vehicle traveling south towards the Rio Grande. As agents arrived, the driver and several other drug smugglers were seen swimming to Mexico. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 570 pounds of marijuana, valued at $456K. During a search of the area, agents arrested a Mexican national involved in the foiled scheme. The Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force took custody of the driver, narcotics, and vehicle.

A short while later, Rio Grande City agents working near La Casita, Texas, observed a black pickup traveling north of the Rio Grande. Upon seeing the agents, the driver of the pickup abandoned the vehicle and fled. Agents discovered more than more than 350 pounds of marijuana worth over $280K in the pickup. A search of the immediate area led to the arrest of the driver. Border Patrol turned the narcotics and the driver over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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  @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.

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