Border Patrol Agents seized more than $1.8 million worth of marijuana and arrested an MS–13 gang member over the course of five days.
On Friday night, Rio Grande City officers working near Escobares said they responded to a report of multiple suspected drug smugglers walking north of the Rio Grande.
Agents searched the brush in the area which led to the discovery and arrest of five undocumented immigrants and nearly 200 pounds of marijuana with an estimated worth of $160K. The Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Tasks Force took custody of the three subjects and the narcotics.
Border Patrol processed the remain two subjects accordingly, said the release.
On Saturday, RGC agents working near Garceno, Texas, said they observed a Ford F-150 approach the riverbanks and load up several bundles of suspected narcotics. The vehicle traveled north but turned backwards after seeing responding agents.
The driver abandoned the vehicle at the river and fled to Mexico, according to authorities.
Agents then discovered more than 471 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of over $377K. According to the release, Border Patrol turned the drugs over to the DEA.
Then on Sunday, RGC agent near Escobares, said they responded to a report of a suspicious All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) travelling north for the Rio Grande at a high speed.
Agents arrived at the location and searched at the location but found no ATV. However, a search of the nearby brush led to the discovery of nearly 204 pounds of marijuana estimated to be worth over $163K.
In addition, Falfurrias satiation agents apprehended a self-admitted MS-13 gang member. The subject was later identified as a Salvadorian national. The suspect was apprehended in a failed smuggling attempt at the Falfurrias Checkpoint.
The release stated that records revealed the man has a criminal history in El Salvador, which included homicide and aggravated robbery. Border patrol processed him accordingly.
Monday, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents working near La Rosita, Texas said they observed a vehicle traveling north at high speed. Agents attempted to conduct a vehicle a stop, but the driver of the Dodge pickup truck abruptly stopped and fled on foot.
According to the release, agents searched the vehicle and discovered more than 460 pounds estimated to be worth $368K.
Additionally, the release states Border Patrol agents seized 842 pounds of marijuana in seven separate incidents.
