Agents Seize More than $1.3 Million in Marijuana

December 18, 2009: Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents recovered nearly 1,800 pounds of marijuana with a street value of nearly $1.4 million in two separate seizures at opposite ends of the Valley on Thursday. Agents assigned to the Brownsville Border Patrol Station seized 1,000 pounds of marijuana when an agent operating a remote video surveillance system observed several people head south toward Mexico after leaving several large bundles scattered throughout the brush.

Agents responded and recovered 14 bundles of marijuana. An immediate search of the area for the individuals was conducted, but none of the individuals was found. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $800,320.

In an unrelated case on the west end of the Valley, agents assigned to Rio Grande City were monitoring suspicious activity in the Cuevitas area. When the suspects departed that area heading north the agents moved in to intercept them. The suspects were alerted and fled leaving behind 10 bundles of marijuana with a combined weight of 748 pounds. The agents are credited in taking over $598,000 worth of marijuana off the streets after long hours of surveillance in the cold weather.

In total, Border Patrol agents recovered 24 bundles of marijuana. All together the narcotics weighed nearly 1,800 pounds and are valued at over $1.3 million.

The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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