Edinburg, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents intercepted more than 8,800 pounds of marijuana in several seizures throughout the Rio Grande Valley Sector within the last three days. The seizures, ranging between 89 and more than 3,000 pounds had an estimated street value of more than $7 million.
In one incident, McAllen station Border Patrol agents observed two vehicles leave the area of Butterfly Park near Mission, Texas. Both drivers abandoned the vehicles-one of which was driven into the Rio Grande River-and absconded into Mexico. Mission Police and Fire Department divers assisted in the recovery of the submerged vehicle. A total 1,101 pounds of marijuana was discovered within both vehicles.
Another large seizure of marijuana was made when Brownsville Station Border Patrol agents extracted a Chevrolet Suburban that had plunged into the Rio Grande River on October 24. Border Patrol agents were unable to immediately extract the vehicle due to swift currents and dangerously high water levels. Several bundles containing more than 1,400 pounds of marijuana were discovered within the vehicle.
In the largest seizure over the last three days, Rio Grande City Station Border Patrol agents discovered nearly 3,150 pounds of marijuana abandoned near Escobares, Texas.
The Drug Enforcement Administration assumed custody of the narcotics and vehicles in the smuggling attempts.
To report suspicious activity, contact the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sectors' toll free telephone number at 1-800-863-9382.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
