Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Seize Over $960,000 Worth of Marijuana

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana, which has a value of over $960,000 in five different incidents, said a press release Monday.

“Our agents are committed to disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics into the country,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Rodolfo Karisch. “I am proud of the commitment shown by our agents in keeping our community safe.”

According to the Del Rio Sector Border Patrol, the first incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on Oct. 25 when agents from the Eagle Pass Station conducted checkpoint operations on Highway 57. They directed the driver of a red Kenworth truck pulling a trailer for a secondary inspection after a service canine alerted agents to the rear of the trailer. After thoroughly inspecting the trailer, agents discovered six gym bags containing 310 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $248,080. The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The second incident occurred on Nov. 5 at approximately 12:30 a.m. Agents from the Eagle Pass Station responded to a report of a suspicious black Ford Mustang on FM 2644 and FM 1021. Agents encountered the vehicle and performed an immigration inspection of the two occupants. The vehicle’s stop resulted in the discovery of 182 grams of crystal methamphetamine. The passengers and the narcotics were turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

On Nov. 16, at approximately 6 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station responded to a report of two suspicious vehicles seen near the Lucky Kickapoo Casino. An agent encountered one of the vehicles and attempted to perform an immigration inspection. The vehicle failed to yield and drove erratically on El Indio Highway. The agent followed the vehicle, but lost site of it. Shortly after, the agent relocated the vehicle parked at an empty lot with no occupants or driver. While securing the vehicle, the agent observed several burlap bags in the rear seat of the vehicle. The bags contained 222 pounds of marijuana, valued at $178. The Narcotics were turned over to the DEA.

At approximately 10 p.m. on Nov. 18, agents from the Uvalde Station responded to a report of suspicious activity in an area known for narcotic smuggling. Upon arrival to the location, the agents began to follow foot-signs. They discovered four duffel bags containing 24 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $179,360. Once more, no subjects were located, and the narcotics were turned over to DEA.

The final incident occurred on Nov. 19 at approximately 3 p.m. when agents from the Comstock Border Patrol Station discovered eight military-style duffel bags lying in the brush on a local ranch. The duffel bags contained 451 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $360,800. The narcotics were turned over to DEA.

For the Fiscal Year 2016, which began on Oct. 1, 2015, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized $2.7 million worth of narcotics, stated the press release. The 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 1-866-8727.