EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector interdict three drug smuggling attempts.
Yesterday, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents working near La Casita, Texas, observed a truck leave the Rio Grande at a high rate of speed. As the agents attempted to stop the truck, the driver suddenly pulled over and ran into a nearby field. The driver led agents on a short foot pursuit before being taken into custody. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine worth an estimated $2.3M. Border Patrol turned the case over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Moments later, agents responded to a residence in Falcon Heights after receiving information of suspected drug smuggling activity. As agents arrived, they observed multiple subjects removing bundles of suspected narcotics from a truck. Upon seeing the agents, the men abandoned the bundles and ran into the nearby brush. After searching the immediate area, agents seized 67 bundles of marijuana weighing over 730 pounds, worth an estimated $585K. Border Patrol turned the vehicle and drugs over to the Starr County Sheriff’s Office.
A short while later, Fort Brown agents responded to report of three drug smugglers walking north of the Rio Grande near Brownsville, Texas. With the assistance of a CBP Air and Marine Operations air asset, agents arrested three Mexican nationals and the seized more than 73 pounds of marijuana, worth nearly $59K.
Border Patrol processed the subjects and cases accordingly.
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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