Read more: Local, Crime, Boulders, Marijuana, Drug Smugglers, Chase, Border Patrol, Anzalduas Park, Mission, La Joya, Hidalgo County, Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Mexico
The U.S. Border Patrol is considering putting more large boulders along the banks of the Rio Grande after discovering 1,227 pounds of marijuana inside a submerged car.
Border Patrol agents got into a chase with an alleged drug smuggler near La Joya in mid-October.
The driver plunged his Mercury Grand Marquis into the waters of the Rio Grande.
Authorities recovered the car on Tuesday and found 25 bundles with 1,227 pounds of marijuana worth $981,600 dollars inside.
Border Patrol officials told Action 4 News that drug smugglers often plunge their cars into the river as a tactic to be able to recover at least part of their load at a later time.
The agency reported that authorities are targeting key smuggling areas and looking to expand a program that placed large boulders on the shores of Anzalduas Park.
Border Patrol officials said the boulders are preventing smugglers plunging their cars into the Rio Grande and polluting the river with motor oil, anti-freeze and other fluids.
