C.B.P. News Release

Border Patrol Seizes Five-Ton Marijuana Load At Checkpoint

(Monday, August 15, 2011)

Sarita, Texas ─ More than 10,000 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of nearly $8.2 million, was seized by U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Sarita Checkpoint Saturday night.

More than 10,000 pounds of marijuana was seized by U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Sarita Checkpoint.

The agents made the seizure when a man attempted to drive a tractor-trailer through the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 77. During the primary inspection, a Border Patrol canine detected the presence of contraband within the vehicle. Upon further inspection, agents found more than 470 bundles of marijuana hidden in the trailer among a load of broccoli.

The driver was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the vehicle and the marijuana.

To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector’s toll-free telephone number at (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 Border Patrol
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (956) 289-5976

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2011_5.xml