Failed Narcotic Smuggling Attempts Leads to Several Apprehensions
Failed Narcotic Smuggling Attempts Leads to Several Apprehensions
Release Date: July 8, 2020
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended several individuals and seized $1,120,720 worth of marijuana during several failed narcotics smuggling attempts over the course of a day.
The first incident occurred during the very early morning of July 7, when agents received a report of several individuals carrying bundles across the Rio Grande River.
Agents responded and apprehended five individuals with bundles, while also turning several other individuals back to Mexico.
Agents seized five bundles of marijuana with an approximate weight of 345.4 lbs., and an estimated value of $276,320. The five individuals were turned over to Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration pending further investigation and prosecution.
All five are from the country of Mexico and in the United States illegally.
The second incident occurred in the evening of the same day, when agents observed individuals load bundles of suspected marijuana into a pickup truck on a local ranch. Agents performed a vehicle stop on the truck, and discovered three bundles of marijuana. Agents seized the marijuana with an approximate weight of 289.9 lbs., and an estimated value of $231.920. The occupants of the vehicle were processed accordingly. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The final incident occurred a couple hours later, when agents observed several individuals carrying bundles of suspected marijuana on a property near the Rio Grande River. Agents responded and apprehended three individuals and seized five bundles of marijuana. An additional four subjects absconded back to Mexico. The marijuana has an approximate weight of 382.8 lbs., with an estimated value of $306,240.
The four individuals, all illegally present in the United States from the countries of Mexico and Honduras, were turned over to Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration pending further investigation and prosecution.
Even with the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Laredo Sector continue to secure the nation’s borders and prevent the smuggling of drugs.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
