Border Patrol Stays Busy

Del Rio Border Patrol Seizes 1,300 Pounds of Marijuana over Holiday Week

(Monday, November 26, 2007)

Del Rio, Texas –Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio sector seized more than half a ton of marijuana during the Thanksgiving week. Agents arrested nine people in connection with the drug seizures.

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Nets $7 Million in Narcotics Seizures

(Monday, November 26, 2007)

contacts for this news release

Edinburg, Texas —Border Patrol agents seized more than 200 pounds of cocaine and more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana in two separate incidents over the holiday weekend. The illegal narcotics have a combined value of more than $7 million.

The first seizure occurred last Wednesday, when Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias Border Patrol Traffic Checkpoint on Highway 281 questioned the driver of a tractor-trailer about his citizenship. During questioning, a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of contraband concealed within the trailer area.

The driver was directed to the secondary inspection area where a search led to the discovery of 75 bundles of cocaine hidden inside the fifth wheel compartment. The total weight of the cocaine was 206 pounds with an estimated value of $6,592,000. The driver, cocaine, and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The second seizure occurred the following day at the Sarita Border Patrol Traffic Checkpoint when a tractor-trailer approached the primary lane for inspection. As the primary agent questioned the driver and passenger, a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of contraband concealed within the trailer.

The driver was directed to the secondary area where a search of the trailer led to the discovery of 40 bundles of marijuana hidden among a load of limes. The total weight of the marijuana was 1,230 pounds with an estimated value of $984,000. The driver, passenger, tractor-trailer, and marijuana were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.