EDINBURG, Texas –As of late, Border Patrol agents seizing drugs is a daily occurrence in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. Two separate seizures yield over 550 pounds, with an estimated value of $446K.

Wednesday afternoon, agents assigned to the McAllen Border Patrol station detected three adult males crossing the river with bundles of marijuana near Penitas, Texas. Several Border Patrol agents, including motorcycle units, responded and disrupted the smuggling attempt. All three subjects fled on an awaiting raft and returned to the Mexican riverbank. Agents seized nine abandoned bundles of marijuana.

Earlier in the day, agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station were conducting patrol operations near La Casita, Texas. Agents observed multiple subjects cross the Rio Grande with bundles of narcotics and load them into a vehicle. The responding agents encountered the vehicle abandoned, loaded with numerous bundles of marijuana.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.