EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector announced Friday they have seized more than $20 million worth of marijuana since the beginning of December.
Authorities said the largest seizure occurred Wednesday when agents assigned to the McAllen Station spotted a marijuana-laden Chevrolet Tahoe traveling away from the Rio Grande. Agents said a helicopter from Custom's and Border Protection's Office of Air and Marine followed the vehicle to a stash house. Border Patrol agents and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration said they searched the house and found more than 3,300 pounds of marijuana.
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According to authorities, two people who attempted to flee from the house were arrested and a stolen vehicle was seized. The vehicle will be turned over to the Alton Police Department. Agents said the arrested individuals and the marijuana were turned over to DEA.
Agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station said they made another large seizure early Thursday morning when agents spotted smugglers loading marijuana into a vehicle near the Rio Grande. The smugglers fled when they saw the agents approaching, but they were quickly apprehended, authorities said. A Border Patrol K-9 helped search the area. Agents said the dog led them to more than 1,700 pounds of marijuana. The two men, who were arrested, and the marijuana, were turned over to DEA, agents said.
According to the U.S. Border Patrol, additional seizures pushed the total amount of marijuana confiscated in the first week of December to nearly 26,000 pounds.
To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector's toll-free telephone number at (800) 863-9382.