EDINBURG, Texas – Attempts by drug smugglers to exploit lack of border infrastructure leads to the seizure of 1200 pounds of marijuana in four separate incidents.

On Sunday, McAllen agents working near Havana, Texas, observed multiple drug smugglers make entry into the United States. A short while later, agents observed a light colored GMC Sports- Utility-Vehicle (SUV) travel south towards the Rio Grande and make contact with the smugglers. Moments later, the vehicle attempted to drive north, but turned around after observing the responding Border Patrol agents. The agents conducted a vehicle stop and, while approaching the vehicle, they observed several marijuana bundles inside the SUV. Agents arrested the driver and passenger. The marijuana weighed 234 pounds and is worth an estimated $187K. The Texas Department of Public Safety took custody of both subjects and the marijuana.

That same evening, Falfurrias agents working at the checkpoint referred a white pickup for secondary inspection after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted. At secondary, an inspection of a locked toolbox revealed four bundles of marijuana weighing more than 178 pounds and worth an estimated $143K. Border Patrol arrested the driver and escorted him to the station for processing. The Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the driver and the narcotics.

Monday evening, Rio Grande City agents working near Garceno, Texas, observed multiple drug smugglers make landfall on the U.S. riverbank. Shortly thereafter, agents observed a Chevrolet Blazer make contact with the smugglers and then proceeded to load the bundles into the vehicle. The vehicle then fled the area at a high rate of speed. Upon arriving at Expressway 83, the driver stopped and abandoned the vehicle. Agents arrived shortly thereafter and discovered more than 323 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $285K. The Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the contraband.

Tuesday afternoon, Rio Grande City agents working in Garciasville, Texas, observed an SUV suspected of narcotics smuggling traveling north from the Rio Grande. Agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop which prompted the driver of the vehicle to turn around and abandon the SUV near the river. A CBP air unit observed the driver of the vehicle swim across the river into Mexico. Agents discovered six bundles of marijuana in the abandoned SUV. The marijuana weighed over 465 pounds with an approximate value of $372K.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382 .

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