February 21, 2009
Right Side News Reports
Border Patrol agents seized over 24,213 pounds of marijuana valued at $19,366,296. Agents arrested 7 criminal aliens and 7 gang members. There were 9 rocking incidents.
Reported on February 12, 2009
Rio Grande Valley Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 1,138 pounds marijuana valued at $906,960, a Chevrolet Astro van, and arrested a United States Citizen (USC) near Brownsville, Texas.
Rio Grande Valley Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 1,711 pounds of marijuana valued at $1,368,800, a 1996 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, and arrested a USC at the traffic checkpoint in Falfurrias, Texas. A Border Patrol canine alerted to the trailer and agents subsequently discovered 68 bundles of marijuana concealed within a load of produce.
Rio Grande Valley Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 3,803 pounds of marijuana valued at $3,042,400, a 2002 Kenworth tractor-trailer, and arrested a USC at the traffic checkpoint in Falfurrias, Texas. The subject presented himself and the tractor-trailer for inspection, and a Border Patrol canine alerted to the trailer. A subsequent search revealed 161 bundles of marijuana concealed within a load of strawberries.
Tucson Sector – Border Patrol agents arrested an illegal alien from Mexico near Gila Bend, Arizona. Records checks revealed the subject had felony arrest warrants issued in the State of Georgia and also had prior convictions for rape and aggravated assault.
Reported on February 13, 2009
Marfa Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 1,752 pounds of marijuana valued at $1,401,456, a 2007 Kenworth tractor-trailer, and arrested a national of Canada at the traffic checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas. The subject presented himself and the tractor-trailer for inspection, and a Border Patrol canine alerted to the trailer. A subsequent search revealed the marijuana concealed in 20 cardboard boxes packed in the trailer.
Rio Grande Valley Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 1,366 pounds of marijuana valued at $1,092,400, a 1997 Volvo tractor-trailer, and arrested a USC at the traffic checkpoint in Falfurrias, Texas. The subject presented himself and the tractor-trailer for inspection, and a Border Patrol canine alerted to the trailer. A subsequent search revealed the marijuana concealed in black plastic bags on top of boxes of broccoli.
Tucson Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 4,191 pounds of marijuana valued at $3,352,880, a Chevrolet Silverado, three rifles, and arrested four USCs near Hickiwan, Arizona. An agent observed what appeared to be bundles of marijuana inside a local residence. Agents were granted access to the residence by the owner and subsequently discovered two rifles, along with 148 bundles of marijuana in the garage area, and in the Chevrolet Silverado.
Reported on February 14, 2009
Laredo Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 1,225 pounds of marijuana valued at $980,400, and a 1994 Ford truck near Zapata, Texas. After agents attempted to stop the truck, the driver drove the truck through a fence, and absconded. Agents discovered the marijuana in the abandoned truck.
Rio Grande Valley Sector – Border Patrol agents arrested an illegal alien from Mexico, seized 4,417 pounds of marijuana valued at $3,533,600, and a 2005 Peterbilt tractor-trailer at the traffic checkpoint near Falfurrias, Texas. The subject presented himself and the tractor-trailer for inspection, and a Border Patrol canine alerted to the trailer. A subsequent search uncovered 266 bundles of marijuana inside the trailer. Records checks revealed the subject had two active arrest warrants issued in the State of Texas.
Reported on February 15, 2009
Rio Grande Valley Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 1,109 pounds of marijuana valued at $886,800, a 1995 Freightliner tractor-trailer, and arrested a national of Cuba at the traffic checkpoint near Falfurrias, Texas. A Border Patrol canine alerted to the trailer and agents subsequently discovered 89 bundles of marijuana concealed within a load of avocados.
Rio Grande Valley Sector – Border Patrol agents arrested a USC, 15 illegal aliens, and seized a 2001 Freightliner tractor-trailer at the traffic checkpoint in Sarita, Texas. A Border Patrol canine alerted to the trailer, and a subsequent search revealed the 15 illegal aliens inside.
Tucson Sector – Border Patrol agents, with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection officers and Douglas Police Department officers, arrested four illegal aliens from Mexico, two USC’s, seized a 1994 Cadillac, and recovered an AK-47 automatic rifle, ammunition and narcotics near the Douglas, Arizona Port of Entry.
Reported on February 16, 2009
Del Rio Sector – Border Patrol agents arrested a USC and four illegal aliens during a vehicle stop near Carrizo Springs, Texas. The USC was identified as a member of the Mexican Mafia gang. Records checks revealed the subject had an extensive criminal history and an active warrant of arrest for robbery issued in the State of Texas.
El Centro Sector – Border Patrol agents arrested an illegal alien from Mexico near Calexico, California. Records checks revealed the subject was previously removed from the United States and had an outstanding warrant of arrest for lewd acts with a child issued in the State of California.
Reported on February 17, 2009
Laredo Sector – Border Patrol agents arrested a USC and seized 1,691 pounds of marijuana valued at $1,352,560, and a 2003 Wabash tractor-trailer at the traffic checkpoint near Laredo, Texas. The subject presented himself and the tractor-trailer for inspection, and the marijuana was discovered in a false compartment.
Rio Grande Valley Sector – Border Patrol agents seized 1,328 pounds of marijuana valued at $1,062,400, and a 1995 Ford Aerostar van near Mission, Texas. Agents observed suspicious activity involving the van near the Rio Grande River, and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop. The driver failed to yield and abandoned the vehicle near the river, fleeing on foot into Mexico. The marijuana was found inside the vehicle.
Tucson Sector – Border Patrol agents arrested an illegal alien from Mexico near Kuakatch, Arizona. The subject was identified as a member of the El Sureno Gang. Records checks revealed the subject was previously removed from the United States, and was convicted of drug offenses.
Reported on February 18, 2009
El Centro Sector – Border Patrol agents arrested an illegal alien from Mexico near Calexico, California. The subject was arrested with a group of illegal aliens, and claimed to be an undercover news reporter researching alien smuggling. Further investigation revealed the subject was not a news reporter.
Tucson Sector – Border Patrol agents provided first aid and assistance to illegal aliens involved in a single vehicle rollover accident near Douglas, Arizona. The aliens flagged down agents and led them to the accident site. Emergency medical services (EMS) were notified and responded. All five subjects were taken to local hospitals for treatment. One person was pronounced deceased at the scene
*This overview is compiled from incidents reported to the Office of Border Patrol and is not intended to reflect all Border Patrol enforcement actions. Most arrests and seizures fail to meet the requirements for mandatory reporting to the Office of Border Patrol.
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CBP is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s largest and most complex components, with a priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. It also has a responsibility for securing and facilitating trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws.