September 1, 11

NEWS / U.S. Border Patrol Agents at RGV Seize More than $12.3 Million Worth of Narcotics

Edinburg, Texas ─ U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector recently confiscated more than 8,200 pounds of marijuana and nearly 180 pounds of cocaine in multiple seizures throughout the area.

The most significant seizure occurred at the Sarita Checkpoint when agents discovered more than 70 bundles of cocaine hidden within the roof of a tractor-trailer cab. The driver and the cocaine, which had an estimated value of more than $5 million, will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The largest of the marijuana seizures occurred on August 30, when agents assigned to the McAllen Station intercepted nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana from smugglers on the banks of the Rio Grande. More than 1,100 additional pounds of narcotics were seized at around the same time near Rio Grande City, Texas, when smugglers abandoned a minivan full of marijuana after being approached by agents.

Additional seizures pushed the total estimated value of narcotics seized on August 29 and August 30, to more than $12.3 million.

To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector’s toll-free telephone number at (800) 863-9382.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/local/08312011_3.xml