LAREDO: U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector disrupted criminal networks and saved lives as they rescued 22 people who were in the country illegally and seized 427 pounds of marijuana in three separate, unrelated incidents, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.
Agents at the border patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 rescued 20 people who were concealed inside a tractor-trailer after 3 p.m. Thursday.
The driver was referred to secondary inspection, where the agents discovered the 20 people in the locked trailer area, CBP officials said. The 18 men and two boys were from Mexico.
No one required medical attention. CBP officials said the case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
Earlier Thursday, agents assisted in the rescue of two distressed people within the Laredo West Station area.
CBP officials said agents responded to a 911 call about two people who were lost in the ranchlands west of Laredo.
After agents found the two people, a paramedic was airlifted to the location. CBP officials said the paramedic administered life-saving techniques to one unresponsive person with a weak pulse. The other person did not require medical attention.
After stabilizing the person with a weak pulse, he regained consciousness and was airlifted to a hospital, CBP officials said.
In the predawn hours Thursday, agents responding to reports of suspicious activity encountered a black Toyota Tundra at a ranch west of Laredo. CBP officials said after agents made contact with the vehicle, the driver sped off.
Agents later found the vehicle and found 18 bundles hidden within the toolbox, containing 427 pounds of marijuana, according to CBP officials. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $341,600.
The narcotics, vehicle and person were turned over to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.
