Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,000 Pounds of Marijuana Worth More Than $800,000

DEL RIO – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana, valued over $800,000 in three different incidents.

“These seizures of narcotics show the perseverance and vigilance by our frontline Border Patrol agents,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Rodolfo Karisch. “I thank our agents for their diligence and commitment to our mission.”

On Oct. 7, at approximately 8 a.m., agents from the Comstock Station, conducting linewatch operations, responded to a report of suspicious activity on a local ranch. As agents neared the area, they observed several individuals loading bundles into a pickup truck on Highway 90.  Agents attempted to conduct an immigration stop but driver of the pickup truck failed to yield, drove off into a ravine and fled on foot. Agents inspected the pickup truck and discovered duffel bags in the bed of the truck. The duffel bags containing 453 pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $363,120.  The marijuana was turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

On Oct. 7, at approximately 3 p.m., agents from the Del Rio Station, conducting checkpoint operations on Highway 277, directed the driver of a Chevrolet pickup truck to a secondary inspection area after a service canine alerted to the rear of the vehicle. After an inspection of the vehicle’s gas tank, agents discovered a hidden compartment containing 36 packages of marijuana.  The packages contained at total of 126 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $101,520.  DEA agents took custody of the marijuana.

On Oct. 19, at approximately 11 a.m., agents from the Comstock Station, conducting linewatch operations in an area known for narcotic smuggling, observed eight individuals walking through the brush on a local ranch. Agents on the ground began to follow the foot sign left behind by the individuals and apprehended eight Mexican nationals with the assistance from CBP Air and Marine Operations, Del Rio Air Branch. After a search of the area, agents discovered eight duffel bags containing 448 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $358,400. The narcotics and the Mexican nationals were turned over to DEA.

For Fiscal Year 2016, which began on Oct. 1, 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized $1.8 million worth of narcotics. The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.