Border Patrol agents fired upon while trying to stop suspected drug smugglers

March 01, 2012 7:42 PM
By LAURA B. MARTINEZ/The Brownsville Herald

Several U.S. Border Patrol agents were fired upon by suspected drug smugglers as the agents tried to stop a smuggling attempt, authorities reported.

Authorities stated the alleged smugglers attempted to run over the agents and that the agents fired their weapons as the smugglers attempted to flee.

The Border Patrol reported, as the agents fired their weapons, gunmen on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande began shooting at them. The agents returned fire.

None of the agents were injured. It is unknown if anyone of the Mexican side sustained injuries.

The incident happened west of Roma on Wednesday.

Authorities report the agents seized nearly 4,000 pounds of marijuana in the incident. The drugs have a estimated street value of $3 million.

The Border Patrol reports the shooting was contained to a rural area near the river and that at no time were members of the community in danger.

Border Patrol agents fired upon while trying to stop drug smugglers | agents, fired, smugglers - Brownsville Herald