CBP U.S. Border Patrol Agents Seize More than 6 Tons of Marijuana

Edinburg, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector confiscated more than 12,000 pounds of marijuana within the first week of August. 

Border Patrol agents from Rio Grande Valley Sector seized more than six tons of marijuana during the first week of August.

One of the largest seizures was made Sunday near Escobares, Texas, when agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station observed several people loading large bundles into a minivan. When agents approached the vehicle, the smugglers fled into the thick brush. Inside the minivan agents found nearly 950 pounds of marijuana.

Another large seizure occurred August 1 near Escobares when agents saw several people walking north from the Rio Grande carrying large bundles of marijuana. Upon observing the agents, the smugglers dropped their bundles and fled into Mexico, leaving behind more than 900 pounds of marijuana.

Additional events throughout the sector pushed the total estimated value of marijuana seized from August 1-7 to more than $9.8 million.

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

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.