C.B.P. News Release

More Than $4 Million Worth of Cocaine Seized by U.S. Border Patrol in Texas

Air & Marine and Local Law Enforcement Assist Agents

(Tuesday, August 24, 2010)

Hidalgo, Texas ─ U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the McAllen Station seized more than 100 pounds of cocaine Monday night.

At about 10 p.m. agents patrolling an area south of Hidalgo, Texas, encountered suspicious activity near a levee north of the Rio Grande. A Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine helicopter and Hidalgo Police officers responded to assist. When the agents approached, a group of approximately six men fled south toward the river from a grey 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. Agents discovered five backpacks containing 53 bricks of cocaine inside the abandoned vehicle.

On August 23, 2010, McAllen Station agents encountered illicit activity south of Hidalgo, TX, and seized a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix and 127 pounds of cocaine with the assistance of a Customs and Border Protection Office and Air Marine unit.

The Drug Enforcement Administration assumed custody of the narcotics and an investigation continues.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector’s 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.

Contacts For This News Release
Rio Grande Valley Sector
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (956) 289-5976

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2010_3.xml