see also: in May 2006 News Releases:   Seven Wanted Fugitives Apprehended by CBP Officers at Andrade Port of Entry   U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2006 Reporting Requirements for Private Boat Operators Arriving at Port of Entry in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana   CBP Officers in Calexico Seize More Drugs, 266 Pounds of Cocaine   CBP Border Patrol on Heightened State of Alert as Scorching Temperatures Hit South Texas   New Border Patrol Station Contract Awarded   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize Hidden Loads of Narcotics   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than Half-Ton of Marijuana ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Rio Grande City, Texas – On May 1, 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,350 pounds of marijuana near Salineno, Texas.

At 3:00 p.m., Rio Grande City station agents received information from a concerned citizen that a blue and yellow Chevrolet Suburban had just picked up several large bundles near the river area in Salineo, Texas. Border Patrol agents responded to the area and observed some fresh foot sign and initiated a search of the area.

As agents continued their search in an adjoining neighborhood, they located a vehicle that matched the caller’s description. When agents approached the residence, they saw an individual run from behind the house and jump into the Chevrolet Suburban. As the agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, the driver pulled over and exited the vehicle. Agents searched the immediate area but did not locate the driver.

A search of the Chevrolet Suburban revealed a total of 50 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,354 pounds, with an estimated value of $1,083,200. The marijuana and the suburban were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency in McAllen, Texas, for further investigation.

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.