C.B.P. News Release

Weslaco Agents Assaulted during Dope Seizure

(Thursday, August 20, 2009)

Weslaco, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Weslaco station were assaulted Wednesday during a narcotics seizure south of San Juan, Texas.

Yesterday evening, Weslaco agents followed a vehicle loaded with narcotics towards the Rio Grande River south of San Juan, Texas. Once he reached the banks of the river, the driver abandoned the vehicle. As agents approached the vehicle, five men emerged from the dense brush and hurled rocks at the agents. Fearing for his life and that of his partner, one agent discharged his service issued firearm in self defense.

The assailants managed to strike the Border Patrol vehicle numerous times with the projectiles and subsequently absconded into Mexico.

Discovered within the vehicle were 751 pounds of marijuana valued at nearly $601,000.

DEA assumed custody of the narcotics and the vehicle.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sectors’ 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 Sector
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (956) 289-4934 or
(956) 289-4845 or
(956) 289-4998

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_9.xml