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Texas State Rep. Aaron Peña (D-Edinburg) has filed a bill that will outlaw the use, possession and manufacture of road spikes in the Lone Star State.

The Texas legislature is set to convene in January but Peña filed the House Bill 47 on Monday morning, which is the first available date for bills to be filed.

The increased use of road spikes by drug smugglers is prompting one Rio Grande Valley lawmaker to fight back with legislation.

Law enforcement officials have documented several recent cases where drug smugglers have used the spikes, also known as caltrops, during chases on Valley roadways.

“DPS, Texas Rangers, the Border Patrol and our County Sheriff have all asked the legislature to respond and outlaw the manufacture and possession of these devices,” said Peña in a statement released Monday morning. “Today we have filed House Bill (HB) 47 that will help take these weapons away from drug dealers.”