LOS INDIOS, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents discovered a large load of marijuana in a vehicle driven by a juvenile on Thursday morning.
by Harlingen agents
Agents assigned to the Harlingen Station were patrolling near the Rio Grande in Los Indios, Texas, when they observed several subjects loading bundles of marijuana into a vehicle. Agents followed the vehicle and conducted a vehicle stop. As the driver pulled over, he exited the vehicle and ran from the agents.
Agents discovered 1,380 pounds of marijuana inside the vehicle, valued at over $1.1 million. The driver, a 15 year old Mexican national, was apprehended and turned over to the local police department. The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“This is a prime example of how transnational criminal organizations are exploiting the youth. These young lives are deliberately put in danger for the profit of smuggling drugs and immigrants. We continue to work with the community by presenting to local schools warning our children of the outcomes of working for these organizations, not only by potentially facing prison time, but also death,” stated Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.