Border Patrol Agents Net More Than $1 Million in Contraband

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector seized over 1,100 pounds of marijuana in the last two days during checkpoint and river patrol operations.

During a routine immigration inspection at a Border Patrol checkpoint, Carrizo Springs Border Patrol agents were alerted by a service K-9 to the possibility of humans or contraband hidden in the trailer compartment of a tractor-trailer. A subsequent search of the trailer’s content led to the discovery of more than 700 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of nearly $650,000.00. The marijuana and tractor-trailer were seized. The driver, a United States citizen, was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration pending criminal prosecution.

While on river patrol, Border Patrol agents assigned to Eagle Pass South Station responded to suspicious activity and discovered several abandoned burlap sacks. Further investigation led to the discovery of six individuals attempting to flee into Mexico. One subject was taken into custody, while the others were able to abscond into Mexico. A search of the burlap sacks revealed more than 300 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $260,000.00. The contraband and subject were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration pending criminal prosecution.