EDINBURG, Texas – In less than 24 hours, Border Patrol agents seized more than 900 pounds of marijuana and arrested five smugglers in connection with their illegal activities.
Last night, Fort Brown agents working near Brownsville, Texas, received information of an ongoing drug smuggling attempt. Agents requested the assistance of the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems team (sUAS) to search an agricultural field. A search of the area by agents and the sUAS led to the arrest of three Mexican nationals and the seizure of nearly 100 pounds of marijuana. The drugs are worth more than $79K.
This morning, National Guard personnel assisting the Rio Grande City station observed several subjects walking north of the Rio Grande. Agents responded after National Guard personnel observed the incursion and provided the location. As the agents attempted to arrest the smugglers, they dropped the bundles and absconded to Mexico. Agents seized four bundles of marijuana, weighing more than 230 pounds, and worth approximately $184K.
In addition to the mentioned incidents, Rio Grande Valley agents seized approximately 610 pounds of marijuana, worth approximately $490K in two separate incidents.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
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.
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