Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents in Texas intercepted six marijuana smuggling attempts within two days, aided by multiple law enforcement agencies. These operations took place across different locations and involved various arrestees and seizures.
"These drugs will not be released into our communities, preventing harm to our citizens. The seizures this year have also resulted in a loss of $3.4 million dollars in illicit profits for transnational criminal organizations. So proud and honored of our Agents’ hard work and professionalism to our Border Security Mission. #RGVAgents #SafeCommunites #SafeStreets", said Gloria I. Chavez.
On November 27th, a U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent observed three individuals tossing drug bundles over the border barrier near Los Indios via camera operation. As per CBP's press release, Harlingen Border Patrol Station agents were successful in arresting two people and confiscating the illegal substances.
In Brownsville, smugglers abandoned approximately 95 pounds of marijuana on the same day; this was disclosed in the CBP media release. The suspects were reportedly seen fleeing south towards Mexico.
Gloria Chavez highlighted the continual risk posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations to local communities and regions: "These drug smuggling cases highlight the threat by Transnational Criminal Organizations exploiting our region and communities every day. I commend the relentless work performed by our Border Patrol agents, working hard day and night to keep our border and communities safe and secure."
As stated in the CBP news report, several people were detected carrying suspected narcotics bundles across a highway just east of Fort Brown Border Patrol Checkpoint. This led to several arrests along with seizures of five marijuana bundles; all detained individuals were transported to Fort Brown Border Patrol Station for further processing.
For fiscal year 2023, customs agents nationwide have confiscated vast amounts of illegal drugs - 27,000 pounds of fentanyl, 140,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 81,100 pounds of cocaine, and 150,000 pounds of marijuana. This data was shared via CBP's website.
