EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted 12 separate narcotic smuggling attempts and seized nearly two tons of marijuana over the weekend.
Friday, McAllen agents working near Mission, Texas, observed smugglers utilize a raft filled with bundles of marijuana cross the Rio Grande. After crossing, the smugglers loaded the narcotics into a Ford F-150 parked along the river. As mobile units responded to the area, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. When agents encountered the vehicle, the driver returned to the river and abandoned the pickup as he returned to Mexico. Inside the Ford F-150, agents discovered over 945 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $756K.
Later that day, agents working near Roma, Texas, observed several subjects carrying bundles of narcotics north of the Rio Grande. When agents attempted to interdict, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics and fled to Mexico. Agents searched the area and seized over 160 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $130K.
Over a three-day period, agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized over 1,900 pounds worth more than 1.5 million dollars.
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 at @CBPRGV.