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  4. Border Patrol and DPS work together to stop narcotic smuggling attempt in the Rio Grande Valley

Border Patrol and DPS work together to stop narcotic smuggling attempt in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Thu, 03/29/2018

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – On Tuesday, March 27, Fort Brown agents observed a white Ford Ranger loaded with narcotics being driven away from the Rio Grande.

Drug laden vehicle after it splashes down in the Rio Grande
Drug laden vehicle after it splashes
down in the Rio Grande

After agents requested assistance, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper responded and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield, proceeded south through an open fence gap and splashed the vehicle into the river.

The driver fled from the scene and swam back to Mexico. Several bundles were ejected from the pickup and into the river. Agents recovered a total of 12 bundles of marijuana, weighing over 300 pounds, with an estimated street value of $242K.

The vehicle was seized after being extracted from the river. The marijuana will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021