see also: in August 2008:   CBP in New York Apprehends Suspected Interpol Fugitive   Louisville CBP Finds Heroin in Woman’s Suit   CBP Officers Nab More than $1 Million in Narcotics in 48-hour Period   Philadelphia CBP Seizes $650,000 in Fake Bank Checks   CBP on a Roll Seizing Fake Handbags, Footwear Again in California   Calexico Downtown Port Officers Intercept $100K Narcotic Smuggling Attempt   CBP Outbound Inspection Yields 293 Unreported Ostrich Skins ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Edinburg, Texas — Agents from the Rio Grande City Border Patrol station seized more than 5,000 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of more than $4 million.

Agents responded to suspicious activity near the river community of Escobares, Texas. When agents came upon what appeared to be a narcotics packaging operation, two subjects attempted to flee the area. Agents quickly reacted and detained the two for further investigation. Agents discovered numerous large bundles and an overwhelming odor of marijuana saturated the surrounding area. Further investigation revealed many more large and small bundles, packaging materials and precursors (grease buckets, saran wrap, lime sacks, gloves, and masks) commonly used to package marijuana.

Once weighed, the 412 bundles had a total weight of 5,680 pounds with an estimated street value of $4,544,000.00.

The subjects and contraband were all turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the case remains under investigation. This is yet another example of the Border Patrol’s effort to reduce crime in border communities and consequently improve the quality of life of valley residents.

To report suspicious activity in the area, contact the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sectors’ toll free telephone number at 1-800-863-9382.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.