C.B.P. News Release

RGV Border Patrol Agents Seize Nearly 8 Tons of Marijuana

(Thursday, June 09, 2011)

Edinburg, Texas ─ Recently, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector confiscated nearly 15,500 pounds of marijuana in multiple seizures over a three day period.

One of the largest seizures was made near Escobares, Texas, when agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station followed fresh footprints and tire tracks into a suspected narcotics stash location. The trail led to a small cabin, inside which agents found nearly 600 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of more than $450,000.

Another seizure occurred near Garceño, Texas, when agents spotted two suspicious vehicles and a group of people near the Rio Grande. When the group saw the agents approaching, they scattered into the thick brush. Border Patrol agents apprehended two people and found more than 300 pounds of marijuana in the vehicles.

Additional seizures throughout the Rio Grande Valley Sector pushed the total amount of marijuana seized, over a three day period, to nearly eight tons. The drugs, valued at nearly $12.3 million, were turned over to various agencies for further investigation.

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 Sector
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (956) 289-5976

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