see also: in July 2007 News Releases:   CBP Air and Marine Acquires Helicopters for Border Security Mission   CBP Officers At El Paso Port Nab 50 Pounds Of Cocaine; Two Juveniles Taken Into Custody   CBP Border Patrol Agent Dies In the Line of Duty   Hong Kong to Scan U.S.-Bound Goods for Radiation as Part of Secure Freight Initiative   Border Patrol Assists in Third Canal Rescue in a Week   CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted For Murder, Rape, Burglary   Operation Streamline Nets 1,200-Plus Prosecutions in Arizona ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Edinburg, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol checkpoint agents in Texas seized more than three tons of marijuana at the Falfurrias and Sarita Border Patrol checkpoints Wednesday. The combined estimated value of the narcotics is just under $5 million.

The first seizure occurred when agents assigned to the Falfurrias checkpoint observed a tractor-trailer enter the primary inspection area. While an agent questioned the driver on his immigration status, a CBP Border Patrol canine team inspected the trailer. The canine alerted to the back of the trailer area and the driver was directed to the secondary inspection area. A search of the trailer revealed 105 bundles of marijuana weighing 2,407 pounds concealed within a load of bags of charcoal. The marijuana is valued at $1,925,600.

The second seizure occurred when agents assigned to the Sarita Border Patrol checkpoint observed a tractor-trailer enter the primary inspection area. A canine alerted to the back of the trailer and a search of the trailer revealed 112 bundles of marijuana weighing 3,773 pounds concealed within a load of watermelons. The marijuana is valued at $3,018,400.

Texas National Guard personnel assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector in support of Operation Jumpstart assisted the Kingsville Border Patrol Agents by unloading the narcotics off of the trailer.

The combined weight of the marijuana is 6,180 pounds with an estimated value of $4,944,000. The drivers, vehicles and seized narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.