CBP U.S. Border Patrol Agents Seize More than 10 Tons of Marijuana

Edinburg, Texas ─ CBP U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized more than 21,000 pounds of marijuana over the past seven days.

Agents seized one of the largest loads of marijuana in Havana, Texas, after they encountered a group of smugglers hiding bundles of marijuana in the brush near the Rio Grande. When the smugglers saw the agents they fled to Mexico. While thoroughly searching the area, agents found more than 1,300 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of more than $1.2 million.

Nearly 1,000 additional pounds of marijuana were confiscated in an unrelated seizure Wednesday in Sullivan City, Texas. The seizure occurred after agents received a call over the radio about a minivan that was possibly loaded with narcotics. Agents in the area saw a vehicle matching the description run a red light. Agents found the vehicle abandoned with the marijuana inside. The marijuana has an estimated value of more than $760,000.

Additional seizures from Friday through Thursday pushed the total estimated value of marijuana seized to more than $17 million. It was turned over to the appropriate agencies for further investigation.

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.