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Fabens, Tex. – Border Patrol agents arrested a man yesterday, who was driving a truck loaded with drugs while his 12-year-old step-son was sitting in the passenger’s seat.

U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Fabens Station discovered the load of narcotics in a vehicle driven by a 26-year-old male from Sinaloa, Mexico. Agents first observed three men standing by a truck just north of the border. Suspicious of the men’s behavior, the agents approached the area, however upon spotting the agents, the subjects ran south toward Mexico, and the truck sped away at a high rate of speed. The agents were able to stop the vehicle without further incident and began to question the driver. During preliminary questioning, the subject gave conflicting information, which made the agents suspicious about the possibility of criminal activity. A Border Patrol canine unit arrived on the scene and conducted a non-intrusive inspection of the vehicle. The dog alerted to the possible presence of narcotics in the bed of the truck.

Agents discovered a total of 30 bundles of marijuana, weighing 312 pounds, in the bed of the truck. The value of the marijuana is estimated at $249,600. The two occupants were taken to the Border Patrol Station and the driver was processed through the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) which revealed an extensive criminal history. The DEA was notified and they took custody of the driver and contraband pending prosecution. The child was turned over to the care of Child Protective Services.

Meanwhile, Border Patrol agents working east of Ysleta were alerted to suspicious activity just north of the border on Monday. A comprehensive search of the area resulted in the discovery of 27 bundles of abandoned marijuana wrapped in clear tape. The load weighed 28.55 pounds and an estimated value of $22,840. The DEA was notified and took possession of the contraband.

Border Patrol agents believe this recent increase in marijuana loads coming into the United States may be indicative of smugglers who are attempting to transport narcotics that have been stockpiled after the most recent harvest season along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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.