CBP Seize $2.3 Million In Narcotics, Apprehend Nine Gang Members, Four Child Molesters
For anyone to understand whether there are actual drugs, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigrant crossings or gang activity is a problem or political bloviation, we need the numbers and facts…
By, Corridor Staff
Below you will find new information reported drug, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings that have occurred either on the Texas border and ports over the week of June 27 – July 3, 2018.
As you read below, you may come to understand the issues on the U.S. and Mexico border are not a simple problem to be fixed by the current border security policies out of D.C.
It has been recently published by many media outlets that the drug, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings have been consistently dropping over the last couple of years.
U.S. citizens are given inconsistent information on illegal crossings and criminal activity that is happening on the Mexico and U.S. border.
For anyone to understand whether drug, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigrant crossings or gang activity is a problem or political bloviation, we need the numbers and facts.
Texas isn’t the only state that shares a border with Mexico. So as you read the weekly report below, remember this information is only what is occurring on the Texas-Mexico border and Texas ports.
We gathered the information below directly from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is under the purview of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As for the accuracy of the information we have provided to you, we can only decipher the information that is released to us. Therefore the number of incidents, arrests, types of narcotics, weight and street value is considered the minimum amount…
Below you can find the totals of illegal crossing arrests, including their nationality & drug seizures including pounds, type of drug and “street value” total. Additionally, you will find a link to view last week’s totals.
All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure their criminal histories are positively identified. To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact their website at http://www.cbp.gov. Or follow them on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-863-9382.
Read related border coverage:
- June 27, 2018: Customs & Border Protection Intercept $14.6 Million In Drugs, Child Smuggler, Gang Member On Texas Border
- June 20, 2018: Weekly Texas Border Activity: Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico & El Salvador Apprehensions For Illegal Crossings, Drugs
- June 13, 2018: Texas Border Recap: Agents Apprehend 210 For Drugs, Human Trafficking, Illegal Crossings, And In Stash Houses
• Week of June 27 – July 3, 2018 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions with Nationality Totals
• Honduras, El Salvador Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico: Weekly Total: 158
° Nationality Not Given: 4
° US Citizen: 6
° 18th Street Gang Members: 4
° MS 13 Gang Members: 5
° Deceased: 2
° Rescued: 6
° Child Molesters: 4
Texas Weekly Drug Total Seizures & Estimated Street Price
NOTE: The totals are an estimate. U.S. dollar and weight in pounds used.
WIKILEAF• Marijuana
° 71 lbs.
° $210,870
• Cocaine:
° 188.37 lbs.
° $1,457,580
• Methamphetamine
° 34.9 lbs.
° $648,692
• Counterfeit Goods (shipment origination): Hong Kong, Mexico, Germany, Brazil (shipment destination): El Paso
° Soccer Jerseys: $113,730
• Counterfeit Goods Total for Current Fiscal Year:
° $3.8 Million
Weekly Drug Weight Total:
294.27 lbs.
Estimated Street Value:
$2,317,142 Million
Border Patrol apprehends 20 illegal aliens in Eagle Pass
Release Date: July 3, 2018
EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station and the Del Rio Sector Field Intelligence Team, along with agents from Homeland Security Investigations, converged on a stash house in the 1300 block of North Street in Eagle Pass. A total of 21 people were apprehended in this case, including two suspected smugglers.
“Human smuggling is a problem that plagues all communities on the border,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez.“Unfortunately, this problem is compounded by the large profits that draw individuals to join criminal smuggling organizations. We remain committed to seeking out, identifying, and bringing to justice those who callously break our nation’s laws and jeopardize human lives.”
On June 28, agents in Eagle Pass witnessed a group of subjects exit the brush and load into a vehicle. The agents followed the vehicle until it stopped near Eidson Road in Eagle Pass. The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Adrian Jose Flores of Lufkin, and three occupants fled from the vehicle and led agents on a foot chase through the surrounding neighborhood. All were apprehended a short time later.
Investigative efforts in conjunction with these arrests brought about the discovery of the alien stash house in Eagle Pass where agents and officers arrested an additional 15 persons. All were illegally present in the United States and were transported to the Eagle Pass South Station for processing. The group consisted of persons from Mexico and Central America.
A total of 20 illegal aliens were apprehended in this event. The smuggled individuals, some of whom had previously been removed from the country, were charged with being illegally present in the United States.
Flores, along with 18-year-old Piedras Negras, Mexico resident Alexis Emanuel Gutierrez-Rodriguez, are charged by a federal criminal complaint with one count of transporting illegal aliens.
According to court documents, Gutierrez acted as a foot-guide used to smuggle the illegal aliens into the United States; and, Flores stated that he was paid $400 to transport the illegal aliens to the stash house. Both remain in federal custody.
A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Apprehend MS-13 Gang Member
Release Date: July 3, 2018
MS 13 Gang Member: Pineda-Mejia. Photo by CBP.DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal gang shortly after he made illegal entry into the United States.
“Protecting American citizens and our communities from dangerous criminals is one of the Border Patrol’s top priorities,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Here in Del Rio Sector, our agents will continue to serve with honor and professionalism while holding the line against all threats to this great nation.”
On June 25, Border Patrol agents arrested Honduran national Carlton David Pineda-Mejia, 21, near Eagle Pass shortly after he made an illegal entry by crossing the Rio Grande River.
Agents later discovered that Pineda-Mejia is an active member of the MS-13 gang, a violent, trans-national criminal organization operating in many parts of the United States and Central America.
Pineda-Mejia was charged with unlawful entry, and faces deportation.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 866-511-8727.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Discover Illegal Aliens Concealed Inside Duffle Bags
Release Date: July 3, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – On June 22, 2018, Laredo North Agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint located on Interstate Highway 35 encountered two smuggling cases in which a total of four illegal aliens were concealed inside duffle bags.
The events transpired after the drivers of two separate vehicles were questioned regarding their immigration status and were referred to secondary for further inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics.
Upon further inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered a total of four illegal aliens between both events, concealed inside duffle bags.
The four illegal aliens were found in good health and were identified as being from the country of Mexico. The drivers, both United States Citizen, were arrested and the vehicles utilized in the smuggling events were seized by Border Patrol. All subjects were processed accordingly.
“The vigilance of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol in disrupting this human smuggling attempt attests to our commitment in keeping America and it’s communities safe,” said Laredo Sector Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest Illegal Aliens Concealed Inside Tractor-Trailer
Release Date: July 3, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – On June 29, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents encountered a white 1989 Freightliner tractor-trailer at the Border Patrol Checkpoint located at the 29-mile marker on Interstate Highway 35.
During primary inspection, the driver consented to a search of the tractor-trailer. The driver was referred to secondary where further inspection of the sleeper area revealed two illegal aliens.
The two men were found in good health and were identified as being from the country of Mexico. The driver, a United States Citizen, was arrested and the vehicle utilized in the smuggling event was seized by Border Patrol. All individuals were processed accordingly.
“Human smugglers have no regard for safety, at many times placing individuals in life-threatening situations. The U.S. Border Patrol will continue to disrupt this smuggling trend and fulfill our commitment in keeping America and it’s communities safe,” said Laredo Sector Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Man from Assailants in Rio Grande River
Release Date: July 3, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – On July 2, 2018, Laredo South Border Patrol Agents witnessed a subject being assaulted by two individuals in the Rio Grande River near Laredo, Texas. Agents responded to the scene in order to render assistance, forcing the two assailants to abscond back to Mexico. Upon returning to Mexico, the two assailants met with a group of individuals, one who was seen displaying a handgun.
Agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Marine Unit were able to safely extract the victim of the assault from the Rio Grande River and transport him to safety.
The victim, who was identified as a Mexican National, was transported to the hospital by ambulance for additional medical treatment. The United States Border Patrol is coordinating with the Laredo Police Department regarding the incident.
“These events illustrate how the men and women of the United States Border Patrol not only serve to protect our borders, but are also committed to the preservation of life and assist anyone in need,” said Laredo Sector Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 800-343-1994.
Twelve discovered in tractor-trailer in the Rio Grande Valley
Release Date: July 2, 2018
Photo by CBP.FALFURRIAS, Texas – Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias Checkpoint arrested two United States citizens attempting to smuggle 12 illegal aliens inside a tractor-trailer.
While conducting checkpoint operations, agents referred the tractor-trailer to the secondary area after receiving a Border Patrol K-9 alert. The inspection revealed 12 illegal aliens attempting to conceal themselves in the cargo. Agents offered medical attention to illegal aliens but all declined.
All subjects will be processed accordingly. The case is being referred for prosecution.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”
Asylum seeking Honduran couple arrested for smuggling in the Rio Grande Valley
Release Date: July 2, 2018
FALFURRIAS, Texas – On Friday, June 29, 2018, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered a vehicle occupied by six adults and two children. Three of the adults were situated in the cargo area of the vehicle.
An immigration inspection revealed that the Honduran couple sitting up front are pending an asylum hearing and were traveling with their two children.
The couple drove from Houston to smuggle two of their adult family members and the brush guide who facilitated their trek around the Falfurrias checkpoint. A separate adult in the vehicle, who was also illegally present in the United States, was encountered in the brush during the smuggling event.
The subjects were arrested and the smuggling case is still under investigation.
CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry Seize $124K in Methamphetamine
NO NATIONALITY GIVEN
Release Date: July 2, 2018
Packages containing nearly nine pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. Photo by CBP.LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry on Sunday seized methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $124,000.
“Despite searing heat, our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain their vigilance and that dedication to service yielded another significant narcotics load that will not reach U.S. streets,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
On Sunday, July 1, CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck for a secondary inspection.
During the secondary inspection, CBP officers along with the help of a canine team conducted a
thorough examination and found narcotics hidden
within luggage.
CBP officers discovered five packages containing a total of 8.9 pounds of alleged methamphetamine. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $124,692.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents.
CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry This Weekend Apprehend Man with Warrant for Sex-related Offenses Against a Child
Release Date: July 2, 2018
A view of the pedestrian arrival area at Gateway to the Americas Bridge. Photo by CBP.LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry this weekend apprehended a man living under an alias with a pending felony warrant from the Amarillo, Texas area regarding sex-related offenses against a child.
“This significant apprehension of a man living under an alias facing significant charges involving the sexual assault of a child underscores the urgency and necessity of CBP’s ongoing border security mission,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “This latest apprehension follows two apprehensions of wanted persons on similar charges about a week earlier.”
The apprehension occurred on Friday, June 29, at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge.
CBP officers conducted a primary examination on a male pedestrian arriving from Mexico and referred him to secondary for further inspection due to a possible match to an outstanding warrant.
CBP officers conducted a fingerprint check and utilizing national law enforcement databases confirmed his identity as 60-year-old Ruben Longoria Rendon, aka Enrique Uresti, a Mexican citizen wanted by the Potter County Sheriff’s Office in Amarillo, Texas on an outstanding felony warrant for four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.
CBP officers processed Longoria Rendon for prosecution for expedited removal with a detainer and transported him to Webb County jail for adjudication of the warrant.
Charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
CBP Seizes Hundreds of Counterfeit World Cup Soccer Jerseys
Release Date: July 2, 2018
Counterfeit jersey shipment. Photo by CBP.EL PASO, TEXAS – The passion for World Cup soccer is real. Sometimes the jerseys are not.
As the eyes of the soccer fans are on the games being played Russia U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in El Paso are closely watching for phony products.
On Thursday CBP officers intercepted four shipments of counterfeit Mexican national team soccer jerseys with an estimated retail value of $66,390.
The shipments all originated in Hong Kong and were destined for three El Paso addresses.
The products were seized and the investigation is continuing.
Earlier in the week area CBP officers stopped four other shipments worth $47,340. Those shipments included jerseys for Mexico, Germany and Brazil.
“This is not a victimless crime. The theft of intellectual property and trade in counterfeit and pirated goods threatens the economy by harming the competitiveness of legitimate businesses,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “Counterfeit goods are generally of poor quality and can also pose significant health and safety hazards to consumers depending on the product.”
CBP officers in El Paso have made close to 400 IPR seizures during the current fiscal year. The seized phony goods have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of more than $3.8 million. Commonly intercepted products in the El Paso area include sports related apparel, make up, cell phones and accessories, sunglasses, jewelry, and footwear.
Fiscal year 2017 was a record year for CBP enforcement activity related to IPR violations. Suspected fraud or illegal trade activity can be reported by calling 800-BE-ALERT or at the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
Two days: Four gang members arrested in Rio Grande Valley
Release Date: July 2, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – In two days, U.S. Border patrol agents across the Rio Grande Valley, arrested four gang members.
Rio Grande City station agents arrested a Honduran national near Roma, Texas. His records revealed that he is a confirmed Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.
The Fort Brown agents possessed a Salvadoran national record checks exposed an extensive criminal history as well as an active warrant in El Salvador. The man is also a confirmed 18th Street Gang member.
McAllen agents arrested a Salvadoran national near Mission, Texas. Record checks showed that the man is a member of the 18th Street gang.
McAllen agents arrested a Salvadoran national near McAllen, Texas. His record checks revealed that he is a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.
All the individuals were referred for prosecution and their prior orders of removal will be reinstated.
Large groups of family units and unaccompanied children continue to cross the border in the Rio Grande Valley
Release Date: June 29, 2018
Border Patrol agents continue to encounter family units. Photo by CBP.HIDALGO, Texas – Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Weslaco station encountered a group of 31 illegal aliens along the riverbank of the Rio Grande near Hidalgo, Texas.
The illegal aliens were comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
All subjects were offered medical assistance and will be processed accordingly.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol captures: gang members, child molesters, man charged with sexual contact
Release Date: June 29, 2018
Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – This week, agents arrested two gang members, two child molesters, and a man charged with sexual contact.
Rio Grande City station agents arrested a Honduran national near Roma, Texas. His records revealed that he is a confirmed 18th Street Gang member.
Kingsville station agents arrested a Salvadoran national near Sarita, Texas. Records exposed the man is a confirmed 18th Street Gang member.
Weslaco agents arrested a Mexican national near Donna, Texas. Record checks showed that the man was arrested in October, 2007, by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for indecency with a child.
In 2008, the man was convicted and sentenced to three years’ confinement.
Agents assigned to the Falfurrias station apprehended a Guatemalan national near Falfurrias, Texas. His records disclosed that he was arrested in 2004 by the Redwood City, California Police Department. He was convicted and sentenced to 45 days confinement and three years’ probation for sex with a minor.
Rio Grande City station agents arrested a Salvadoran man that was arrested by the Saint Paul Police Department in Minnesota on October 1, 2017, that was charged with Sexual Contact – 3rd Degree. The man was sentenced to 36 months confinement and with 15 years probation.
All the individuals were referred for prosecution and their prior orders of removal will be reinstated.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents save lives; inclement weather claims lives
Release Date: June 29, 2018
Air Marine and Border Patrol agents rescue a man in distress. Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector rescued four illegal aliens in distress and discovered two deceased.
Last Friday, agents assigned to the Kingsville station apprehended a group who informed them about a man that was swept away in the Los Olmos Creek during the heavy rains.
After an extensive search, agents discovered the body of a man that fit the description provided.
On Tuesday, during a narcotics smuggling attempt, Brownsville riverine agents rescued a man, who was struggling to stay afloat in the Rio Grande, after he attempted to evade apprehension.
Wednesday, agents assigned to the McAllen station discovered a deceased male while patrolling a ranch near Sullivan City, Texas. Hours later, a National Guard helicopter pilot spotted what appeared to be a body floating in the Rio Grande near Peñitas, Texas. McAllen station agents responded and confirmed the discovery. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office responded and took custody of both decedents.
Yesterday, the Brook’s County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO) advised Falfurrias agents of a 911 call regarding two lost subjects. Agents responded to the area and rescued a Guatemalan national.
The second man, a Honduran national, did not have a pulse and agents requested an ambulance. A Justice of the Peace pronounced the man dead and the BCSO took custody of the remains.
Today, the BCSO notified Border Patrol of a 911 call regarding two lost subjects, one of which was no longer able to walk due to exhaustion. Agents from the RGV’s Special Operations Detachment, along with an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) asset, located the two Salvadoran brothers. The AMO helicopter transported the ailing brother to the Falfurrias Checkpoint. Agents provided medical attention to the subject until Texas Air Med arrived, who airlifted him to a hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in our communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
RGV currently has multiple campaigns, like “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection.
CBP Field Operations Arrests Woman with $180K in Cocaine at Pharr International Bridge
Release Date: June 29, 2018
Packages containing 23 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. Photo by CBP.PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge arrested a 26-year-old woman from Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico in connection with a failed smuggling attempt of cocaine worth $180,200.
“I commend our frontline officers for their excellent work in interdicting hard narcotics. Their commitment to keep drugs from entering our country is demonstrated every time an interception like this is made,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/ Pharr/ Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On June 27, a female Mexican national driving a black 2005 Chevy Malibu arrived at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge and
was referred for a secondary inspection.
During the inspection, and with the use of non-intrusive imaging (NII technology), officers discovered 10 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 23.37 pounds (10.60 kg) concealed within the Malibu. CBP seized the narcotics and the vehicle.
CBP OFO officers arrested the woman and then released her to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.
Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Apprehend MS-13 Gang Member
Release Date: June 29, 2018
Salvadoran National Previously Deported
Luis Barrientos-Melendez. Photo by CBP.DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal gang, who had been previously removed from the United States.
“Our agents’ vigilance and hard work have shut the door on another dangerous criminal trying to reenter our society,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Here in Del Rio Sector, we remain committed to the integrity of our borders and the safety of our citizens.”
On June 26, Border Patrol agents arrested Salvadoran national Luis Barrientos-Melendez, 37, near Eagle Pass shortly after he made an illegal entry by crossing the Rio Grande River.
During processing at the Eagle Pass South Station, agents discovered that Barrientos-Melendez had been previously removed in September 2006.
Records checks also revealed that he is a confirmed member of the notorious MS-13 gang, a violent, trans-national criminal organization operating in many parts of the United States.
Barrientos-Melendez’s prior order of removal will be reinstated, and he faces prosecution under 8 USC § 1326 – Illegal reentry after removal, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
Rio Grande Valley Stash House Bust Yields 62 Illegal Aliens
Release Date: June 28, 2018
Law enforcement encounters 62 illegal aliens in stash house. Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working with the Hidalgo County Constables Office disrupted a stash house operation in an Edinburg neighborhood which resulted in the apprehension of 62 illegal aliens, earlier today.
The illegal aliens were comprised of men, women, and unaccompanied children from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.
All subjects were offered medical assistance and will be processed accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Progreso CBP Officers Seize Over $1 Million in Cocaine Inside Tractor Cab
Release Date: June 28, 2018
Packages containing 165 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Progreso International Bridge. Photo by CBP.PROGRESO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Progreso/Donna Port of Entry seized just over 165 pounds of cocaine Wednesday afternoon.
“The seizure of this significant amount of narcotics is a direct result of the layered enforcement strategies implemented by CBP,” said Port Director Walter Weaver, Progreso/Donna Port of Entry. “I commend the officers for their continued vigilance and dedication in keeping narcotics from
entering the country, and keeping our communities safe.”
On Wednesday, June 27, CBP officers assigned to the Progreso International Bridge cargo facility encountered a white 2005 International tractor hauling an empty flatbed trailer. The driver of the tractor was a 23-year-old male Mexican citizen from Matamoros, Tamaulipas.
During a routine x-ray examination, a CBP officer observed anomalies within the cab of the trailer and referred the tractor trailer to secondary for further inspection. During the secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered 60 packages of alleged cocaine with a total weight of 165 pounds. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $1,277,380.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and the tractor trailer. The driver was taken into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI). The case remains under investigation by ICE-HSI special agents.
Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Apprehend MS-13 Gang Member
Release Date: June 28, 2018
Jose Antonio Lemus-Ramirez, Honduran National, MS 13 Gang Member & Previously Deported. Photo by CBP.DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a Honduran national, and member of Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal gang, who had been previously removed from the United States.
“Thanks to the hard work of our agents a member of the gang MS-13 was arrested during his attempt to illegally enter our country. MS-13 is a violent, trans-national criminal organization operating in the country,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “The security of the country is our agency’s priority and we will not rest in our efforts to protect the citizens of the United States.”
On June 25, Border Patrol agents arrested Lemus-Ramirez, Jose Antonio, 34, subsequent to his illegal entry into the United States. During processing at the Eagle Pass South Station, agents discovered Lemus- Ramirez had been previously removed on March 2017. Agents also discovered he was a confirmed MS-13 gang member.
Lemus-Ramirez’ prior order of removal will be reinstated, and he faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – Illegal reentry after removal, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
Border Patrol Rescues Suspect from the Rio Grande
Release Date: June 28, 2018
Riverine agents save a smuggler from drowning. Photo by CBP.BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Border Patrol Riverine agents rescued a Mexican national who nearly drowned in the Rio Grande, Tuesday.
Brownsville Border Patrol agents were pursuing a group of suspected smugglers when the group jumped into the river to avoid capture.
Border Patrol Riverine and mobile units responded to the area and watched the group swim to Mexico but one person who was struggling to stay afloat began shouting for assistance.
A Border Patrol boat responded and rescued the 18 year-old man.
Border Patrol mobile and K9 units, who began an extensive search of the area, discovered three bundles of marijuana weighing 71 pounds and worth over $50,000.
The Mexican national underwent medical evaluation, and when cleared medically, was arrested. The case remains under investigation.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in our communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
RGV currently has multiple campaigns, like “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives.
Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize Over $200K in Methamphetamine
Release Date:June 27, 2018
Packages containing 13 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. Photo by CBP.BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged narcotics, valued at approximately $262,000, hidden within a gray 2009 Nissan Maxima.
“This seizure was possible because of the outstanding work of our CBP officers and their unwavering dedication in upholding the CBP mission,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The seizure took place on Tuesday, June 26, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 35-year-old female United States
citizen applied for entry into the United States
driving a gray 2009 Nissan Maxima.
The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination. Upon inspection of the vehicle, and with the use of non-intrusive imaging technology (NII), CBP officers discovered and removed 10 packages of alleged methamphetamine with a total weight of 13 pounds.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $262,000.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned her over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.
