RGV Agents Disrupt Three Smuggling Attempts
U.S. Customs and Protection
EDINBURG – (News Release) Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted three smuggling attempts resulting in seven arrests, and the seizure of more than 101 pounds of marijuana.
On March 13, Harlingen Border Patrol Station agents working near the river in Bluetown, Texas, discovered and followed the shoe prints of several individuals making their way north from the Rio Grande. The prints led agents to a refuge where agents discovered two bundles of marijuana. The marijuana weighed over 101 pounds and is worth more than $80K. While searching the area, agents reported three suspected smugglers going back into Mexico.
On March 12, a Dodge Durango arrived at the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint in Sarita, Texas, and was referred to secondary inspection for further review of the passenger’s immigration status. During questioning, Kingsville Border Patrol Station (KIN) agents determined the passenger and her daughter, both Salvadoran nationals, were unlawfully present in the United States. Agents also discovered two semi-automatic pistols during a search of the vehicle. The driver, a U.S. citizen, and passengers were placed under arrest and escorted inside the checkpoint. The driver and the firearms were turned over to the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
Later that day, KIN agents working at the checkpoint referred a Chevrolet Tahoe to the secondary inspection area following a canine alert. As agents conducted an immigration inspection of the occupants, it was determined that two passengers were in the United States illegally. The driver and passenger, both United States citizens, and the two Guatemalan noncitizens were placed under arrest and escorted into the checkpoint. A small amount of methamphetamine was discovered in a subsequent search of the driver. KCSO took custody of the driver, passenger, narcotics, and vehicle.
All subjects were processed accordingly.
