More Than $2 Million Worth of Illegal Narcotics Seized in Texas

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Edinburg, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents intercepted more than 2,800 pounds of marijuana in three separate incidents over recent days. The contraband has a total estimated value over $2 million.

The first seizure occurred on April 5, when Rio Grande City agents seized 102 bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 1,195 pounds and valued at $956,000 dollars. Agents were conducting surveillance in La Rosita, Texas when they observed a vehicle driving south towards the Rio Grande River and return north from the river at a high rate of speed with its head lights off. As agents approached the area, the driver abandoned the vehicle and absconded.

The second seizure occurred on April 7, when agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station observed a blue GMC Yukon leave from the Rio Grande River area at a high rate of speed. As agents attempted to stop this vehicle, the driver turned the vehicle around and headed back towards the river. The driver then abandoned the vehicle and fled back into Mexico. While conducting a search of the truck, agents discovered 13 bundles of marijuana with a combined weight of 850 pounds. The value of the marijuana is $681,600.

The third seizure occurred on April 9, when agents of the McAllen Station, while patrolling near Abram, Texas, observed a blue Dodge Van traveling north from the Rio Grande River area. As agents approached the area, the driver of the van turned the van around and drove it into the river. The driver exited the vehicle and fled into Mexico. The vehicle was recovered with the assistance of the Mission Police Department and the Mission Fire Department Dive Team. The van, which had been reported stolen, contained 774 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $619,200.