RIO GRANDE CITY: On Tuesday, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station seized over 3,000 pounds of marijuana near La Rosita, Texas.
The seizure occurred when agents working along the Rio Grande observed a vehicle approach the riverbank on the U.S. side. Approximately 22 smugglers then crossed several rafts full of narcotics into the U.S. and loaded the contraband into the vehicle. The smugglers then returned to Mexico.
Border Patrol agents observed the smuggling vehicle travel north bound and conducted a vehicle stop. As the vehicle stopped, the driver and passenger fled the scene, ran back to the Rio Grande and swam to Mexico. Showing bi-national collaboration, Government of Mexico officials responded to the location on the Mexican side of the river and attempted to apprehend the smugglers.
Agents seized the vehicle, a passenger van, which was loaded with 267 bundles of marijuana, with an estimated value of over $2.4 million.
“This morning’s seizure represents just one of the contributions from the law enforcement community to make Starr County an undesirable place for transnational criminal organizations,” said Rio Grande City Station Patrol Agent in Charge Ryan Landrum. “Many citizens have seen the increase in law enforcement in the area and this is just one example of how our increased presence is paying off.”
The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
RGV Sector urges immigrants not to jeopardize their lives by illegally entering the United States or by attempting to circumvent a checkpoint. The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
