EDINBURG, Texas –Smuggling continues in Starr County, leading to the seizure of more than $730K worth of drugs.

Yesterday morning, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents working in La Rosita, Texas, observed a grey Jeep sports utility vehicle traveling south towards the Rio Grande. As agents arrived, the driver and several other drug smugglers were seen swimming to Mexico. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 570 pounds of marijuana, valued at $456K. During a search of the area, agents arrested a Mexican national involved in the foiled scheme. The Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force took custody of the driver, narcotics, and vehicle.

A short while later, Rio Grande City agents working near La Casita, Texas, observed a black pickup traveling north of the Rio Grande. Upon seeing the agents, the driver of the pickup abandoned the vehicle and fled. Agents discovered more than more than 350 pounds of marijuana worth over $280K in the pickup. A search of the immediate area led to the arrest of the driver. Border Patrol turned the narcotics and the driver over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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

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