November 6, 09

NEWS / Texas Agents Seize 878 Pounds of Marijuana in 2 Unrelated Incidents

Weslaco, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Weslaco Border Patrol Station seized 878 pounds valued at $702,400, while on patrol south of Donna, Texas, in two unrelated seizures.

The first seizure happened on Wednesday, just before noon when agents encountered a black 1992 Honda Accord traveling north from the Rio Grande at a high rate of speed. The agents stopped the vehicle and observed two bundles of what appeared to be narcotics in the passenger area of the car. During a subsequent search of the vehicle four additional bundles were discovered in the trunk. Agents arrested the driver and seized 274 pounds of marijuana.


The second seizure took place in the late afternoon when agents noticed suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Rio Grande, south of Donna. Immediately after agents observed the suspicious activity, a black 1997 Lincoln Towncar was seen departing the area at a high rate of speed. When agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, the sedan accelerated north onto FM-493 from Military Highway 281.


The driver lost control of the vehicle and it came to rest in a dirt culvert. The driver managed to get away, but the passenger was apprehended. Discovered within the car were eight bundles of marijuana weighing 604 pounds.


The Drug Enforcement Administration assumed custody of the subjects and narcotics.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/11052009_3.xml