C.B.P. News Release

Border Patrol Drug Seizures in Rio Grande Valley on Track for Record Year

(Monday, June 01, 2009)

Edinburg, Texas - Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector experienced an increase in narcotic seizures during the past week. From May 25 through May 31 more than 17,500 pounds of marijuana was seized, compared to 13,379 pounds for the same time period last year.

The Falfurrias Border Patrol station seized the largest quantity of marijuana with three separate seizures, netting more than 3.5 tons of marijuana throughout the week. All seizures were made with the assistance of canine teams.

Agents from the McAllen Border Patrol station seized a total of 2,564 pounds of marijuana, resulting from four separate incidents involving vehicles leaving the Rio Grande River area.

Rio Grande City Border Patrol agents seized 1,978 pounds of marijuana in three unrelated cases. The most notable of these seizures was a Ford F-150 loaded with 477 pounds marijuana. Agents signaled for the vehicle to stop as it traveled north from the Rio Grande River. In response, the driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee the area. Agents were able to capture the suspect after a brief foot pursuit. Further investigation showed that the subject is a Mexican citizen with a criminal history identifying him as an Aggravated Felon.

Brownsville Border Patrol agents seized 613 pounds of marijuana in a local train yard. Agents responded to the area after they received information regarding suspicious activity in the area. When agents arrived at the train yard they discovered several bundles of marijuana and apprehended two suspects.

In total, 17,558 pounds of narcotics with a street value of $14,464,000 was seized. This is an increase of 31 percent compared to the same time period last year. Since October 1, 2008, the Rio Grande Valley Sector has seized 598,942 pounds of marijuana.

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
Border Patrol Public Affairs Office
Phone: (956) 289-4934 or
(956) 289-4845

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_8.xml