BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Brownsville (BRP) and Fort Brown (FTB) Border Patrol Station agents seized more than $348,000 worth of marijuana in two days from three separate incidents.
On Sept. 22, FTB agents observed several subjects carrying bundles away from the Rio Grande in Brownsville. As agents interdicted the group, the suspected drug smugglers abandoned the bundles and quickly returned to Mexico. Agents apprehended one national from Mexico and seized four bundles of marijuana. The marijuana weighed approximately 169 pounds and is valued at over $135,000. The suspected smuggler will be prosecuted under state charges.
Later that night, FTB agents, again, interdicted a narcotic smuggling attempt near the earlier seizure. During this event, agents seized five bundles of marijuana and observed six people flee into Mexico. The seized bundles of marijuana weighed more than 119 pounds and are valued at approximately $95,000.
On Sept. 23, BRP agents observed a suspicious pick-up truck near the Rio Grande south of Los Fresnos. Agents responded to the area and observed several subjects with bundles making their way through a canal toward the vehicle. The smugglers abandoned the bundles and returned toward the Rio Grande when they detected the responding agents. The agents, along with a canine team, apprehended two nationals of Mexico and seized six bundles of marijuana. The marijuana weighed more than 148 pounds and is valued at over $118,000. The migrants will be prosecuted under state charges.
Marijuana seized by RGV agents this fiscal year accounts for 43% of all marijuana seized by U.S. Border Patrol between the ports of entry.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.