April 18, 2008


Border Patrol Agent’s Attempt to Save Drowning Man

Angela Franzer
The Desert Sun

Around 7:45 this morning a man drowned while attempting to smuggle marijuana into the United States by crossing the All American Canal near the Calexico Port of Entry, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Calexico Station Border Patrol agents stopped a raft in the All American Canal with six individuals and several bundles of what appeared to be marijuana.

Agents were able to apprehend two individuals that stayed with the raft while the other four jumped into the water in an attempt to swim back to Mexico, officials said.

Three made it to the south canal bank and returned to Mexico while agents witnessed a fourth was struggling to stay afloat in the water.

An Border Patrol agent dove into the water while additional agents assisted by throwing life saving systems from the north bank.

After making several unsuccessful attempts to locate the subject under the water line the agent was forced to abandon his efforts, according to a news release.

The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

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