see also: in March 2008:   Summer Months an Added Challenge for Border Patrol   Los Meses de Verano, un Reto Para la Patrulla Fronteriza   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 38 Illegal Aliens from Smuggling Attempt   Laredo North Station Border Patrol Agents Arrest MS-13 Member   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 18th Street Gang Member   El Paso CBP Officers View HDTV: Hidden Drugs in TV Set   El Paso Border Patrol Agents Arrest Criminals with Extensive Records ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio sector seized over 1,500 pounds of marijuana during the last few days. As agents continue to hold the line, their hard work and diligence has paid off with significant arrests and drug seizures.

One of the most significant drug seizures was made by agents assigned to the Eagle Pass North station. Agents were alerted to a spicious activity by a landowner when the caller stated the he had observed a dark color sedan pull off the road along his property. The concerned citizen also witnessed two individuals toss several large duffle bags into the trunk and back seat of the sedan.

Agents responding to the call witnessed a vehicle matching the description headed south on a Texas highway towards Eagle Pass traveling at a high rate of speed. The agents found the sedan, which had been involved in an accident prior to the Border Patrol’s arrival, a short time later. There were no injuries reported as a result of the accident.

Nearly 620 pounds of marijuana valued at over $540,000.00 were discovered in the sedan. The contraband and driver were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

In a separate drug seizure, Border Patrol agents were alerted to suspicious activity when a pickup truck drove back and forth several times before entering a cemetery. The truck entered and exited the cemetery within a short time-span which heightened the agent’s suspicion.

Based upon their suspicion, the agents performed a vehicle stop for further investigation. As one of the agents approached the truck he immediately observed large burlap sacks in the bed of the truck.

A consensual search of the burlap sacks revealed more than 580 pounds of marijuana valued at over $500,000.00. The agents arrested the driver, two passengers and seized the marijuana. The contraband and occupants were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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.