U.S. Border Patrol Agents Net More than 16 Tons of Narcotics in Past 7 Days

Edinburg, Texas ─ Over the past seven days, U.S. Border Patrol agents confiscated more than 16 tons of narcotics, with an estimated value of more than $26 million, in multiple seizures throughout the Rio Grande Valley Sector.

Two of the largest seizures occurred Monday as agents assigned to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint were conducting immigration inspections. In both unrelated incidents, a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of suspected contraband. After conducting a search of the conveyances, agents found numerous bundles of marijuana. In a tanker trailer, agents found more than 4,300 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of more thren $3.5 million. In the other seizure, agents found more than 6,300 pounds of marijuana hidden among produce with an estimated value of more than $5.1 million.

In another significant seizure, Rio Grande City agents patrolling along the Rio Grande spotted several people unloading bundles of suspected narcotics from a small boat. As agents neared, the group abandoned their cargo and fled into Mexico. Left behind was more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of more than $986,000.

Several additional seizures throughout the sector pushed the total narcotics seized from last Wednesday through June 1 to more than 32,000 pounds. The drugs and arrested subjects were turned over to various agencies for further investigation.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.