$2M in Drugs Seized by Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents in 24 Hours

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than $2 million in drugs within 24 hours. The agents seized large quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana in two separate incidents.

Agents assigned to the U.S. Highway 59 Checkpoint near Freer, Texas, observed a sedan approaching for inspection on June 9. The agents referred the driver to a secondary inspection station where they found 35 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the car’s rocker panels, according to Laredo Sector officials.

Agents determined the weight of the meth shipment more than 44 pounds and estimated the value to be in excess of $1.4 million.

The agents arrested the Mexican national and seized the drugs and vehicle, officials stated. All were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

The following day agents assigned to the Zapata Border Patrol Station observed a boat on Falcon Lake moving from Mexico to the Texas border. While they were watching, several individuals began unloading large bundles from the boat, Laredo Sector officials stated. The smugglers loaded the bundles into a 2005 Chevy pickup truck that was parked near the shoreline.

Agents approached the truck but the driver quickly fled, abandoning his truck and the load. While the agents were unable to find the driver, they found 37 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 850 pounds. Officials estimated the value of the marijuana to be $682,720.

The agents seized the illicit drugs and the pickup truck. Agents turned the marijuana over to the DEA for further investigation.

“The vigilance of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol in disrupting the flow of narcotics attests to our commitment in keeping America and its communities safe,” Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Jose Martinez said in a written statement.