TX: Border Patrol agents arrest teen, seize drugs

Border Patrol agents arrest teen, seize drugs
Article Launched: 11/02/2007 09:00:06 AM MDT


A 17-year-old male was detained early today by U.S. Border Patrol agents in connection with a drug seizure.
The name of the teenager, who is a Mexican citizen, has not been released.

Border Patrol spokesman Doug Mosier said the arrest took place after agents noticed several men loading dark-colored duffle bags into a van parked about three miles west of the Paso Del Norte port of entry.

Mosier said agents began to pursue the van. During the pursuit the van got stuck on the railroad tracks near the Rescue Mission.

The driver, who was identified by agents as the teenage male, allegedly exited the van and began running toward the Rio Grande. He was detained by Border Patrol agents after a short foot pursuit.

Agents found 526 pounds of marijuana in the van. The drugs have an estimated street value of about $421,000.

Mosier said the teenager suffered some cuts and other minor injuries while jumping fences in attempt to elude authorities. He was treated at Las Palmas Medical Center.

He has been transfered to the Border Patrol processing center in East El Paso.

The case has been turned over to the El Paso Police Department.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_7351677