Del Rio Sector Agents Seize 1,400 Pounds of Marijuana Over Past Week

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector seized more than a $1 million worth of marijuana over the past week.

U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector seized more than a $1 million worth of marijuana over the past week.

Thursday morning, Del Rio Station agents observed footprints leading away from the Rio Grande River. After following the tracks, agents encountered three individuals attempting to hide in the brush. A search of the surrounding area for more subjects was conducted and three large abandoned bundles of marijuana were found concealed in the brush. The marijuana weighed more than 177 pounds and is worth approximately $141,000.

Friday night, Eagle Pass North agents, tracking footprints leading away from the Rio Grande River, found four abandoned military-style duffel bags. The duffel bags contained more than 231 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $184,800. Monday, agents patrolling a local ranch near the Rio Grande River observed three individuals carrying large feed sacks walking away from the river. When agents identified themselves, the group abandoned their loads and fled, avoiding apprehension. The three feed sacks contained more than 251 pounds of marijuana with an approximate street value of $201,000. Tuesday morning, agents responded to a report of five suspicious individuals carrying large backpacks. Agents arrived at the area and encountered a subject driving a Ford F-150 attempting to exit the ranch. As the agents approached the vehicle, the driver attempted to abscond and was later apprehended. Six military-style duffel bags of marijuana were located in the vehicle. An extensive search of the surrounding area led to the apprehension of five more individuals. The marijuana weighed 500 pounds and is valued at $400,000. The vehicle was seized by Border Patrol.

Early Wednesday morning, Del Rio Station agents working near the Rio Grande River observed footprints of four subjects leading away from the river. Agents encountered the subjects with four large sugar sacks and after a brief foot chase the agents apprehended them. A total of 302.8 pounds of marijuana was found inside the sugar sacks worth $242,240.

All of the cases were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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