Texas Border And Port Narcotic Seizures, Arrests And Apprehensions For The Week Of April 18 – 25
For anyone to understand whether there are actual drug, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigrant crossings or gang activity is a problem or political bloviation, we need the numbers and facts…
by, Corridor News 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 April 18 – 25.
As you read below, you may come to understand the issues on the U.S. and Mexico border aren’t a simple problem to be fixed by the current border security or 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 there are actual 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 border state. So as you read the weekly report below, remember this information is only what is occurring on the Texas-Mexico border and Texas ports.
The information below is gathered 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.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll-free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994. All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure their criminal histories are positively identified.
For more information about CBP, please visit their website at http://www.cbp.gov.
• Week of April 18 – 25, 2018 •
Texas Illegal Border Crossing Arrests/Apprehensions with Nationality
Mexican Arrests: 3
U.S. Citizen Arrests: 6
Bangladeshi Nationals Arrests: 9
Illegal/Apprehensions (Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, Peru and Honduras): 117
Total Weekly Arrests/Apprehensions: 135
Texas Drug Total Seizures (pounds & U.S. dollar street value)
Marijuana: 500 lbs.
Street Value: $409,677.52
Methamphetamine/Heroine: 175.76 lbs.
(Includes Crystal Meth)
Street Value: $2,780,625
Methamphetamine: 91.96 lbs.
(Liquid Meth)
Street Value: $2,944,000
Cocaine: 208.55 lbs.
Street Value: $1,932,364
Weekly Drug Total (pounds/lbs.): 976.27
Weekly Street Value Total: $8,066,666.52
Brownsville Port of Entry CBP Officers Seize Over $300K in Heroin and Methamphetamine
Release Date: April 19, 2018
Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Veterans International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged narcotics, valued at approximately $348,000, hidden within a blue 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan.
“Our CBP officers remain vigilant intercepting hard narcotics and thwarting illegal activity to keep our nation safe,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “This seizure exemplifies the officers’ specialized expertise and skill at what they do.”
The seizure took place on Sunday, April 15, at the veterans International Bridge when an 82-year-old male Mexican citizen applied for entry into the United States driving a blue 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan. 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) and a CBP narcotic detector canine, CBP officers discovered and removed four packages of alleged heroin and one package of alleged methamphetamine with a total weight of 12 pounds and 1.3 pounds, respectively.
The combined estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $348,000.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
CBP Officers Seize More Than $1.2 Million in Methamphetamine at the Del Rio Port of Entry
Release Date: April 20, 2018
Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized a significant amount of alleged crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $1.2 million in a single enforcement action at the Del Rio Port of Entry.
“This significant interception of hard narcotics is a testament to the vigilance and diligence that is instilled in our CBP officers in securing our borders,” said Port Director Mucia C. Dovalina, Del Rio Port of Entry. “They remain ready in protecting our country and keeping dangerous drugs from reaching our communities.”
Packages containing 86 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Del Rio Port of Entry. Photo courtesy of CBP.On Wednesday, April 18, CBP officers at the Del Rio International Bridge seized approximately 86 pounds of alleged methamphetamine in 24 packages concealed within the tires of a 2006 Ford Expedition, driven by a 24-year-old female U.S. citizen.
CBP officers conducted a thorough secondary examination, utilizing a canine unit to assist in finding the hidden narcotics. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of $1,200,625.
CBP officers arrested the driver, seized the narcotics and the vehicle. The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Eagle Pass Border Patrol Agents Seize Nearly $900K Worth of Cocaine
Release Date: April 20, 2018 (At this time, no suspects have been charged in relation to this case.)
Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 57 immigration checkpoint in Eagle Pass seized 78.2 pounds of cocaine worth $869,750 from a commercial bus Thursday.
“Drug trafficking organizations rely on profits from illicit substances to fuel their illegal operations,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “A seizure of this magnitude not only takes this harmful substance off American streets, but it also deals a costly blow to the cartels. I commend all agents and personnel who played a role in this noteworthy seizure.”
On April 19, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station conducted a routine inspection of a commercial travel bus as it stopped at the station’s immigration checkpoint. With the help of a Border Patrol canine team, agents located multiple packages of cocaine that had been hidden inside a compartment of the bus. Federal law allowed agents to seize the contraband and the bus, which were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize Over 500 Pounds of Marijuana
Release Date: April 21, 2018
Laredo, Texas – On April 20, 2018, Border Patrol agents seized 294 pounds of marijuana at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas. Agents encountered a Dodge Ram truck at the primary inspection lane and referred the driver to secondary after a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 22 bundles of marijuana. The marijuana was estimated to have a value of $235,277.52. The driver, a United States Citizen, was arrested. The driver, vehicle and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The second event took place later that same day when Border Patrol Agents seized 218 pounds of marijuana after responding to suspicious activity near Riverside Drive in Laredo, Texas. Agents discovered an abandoned Kia mini-van with three bundles of marijuana inside. The marijuana had an estimated value of $174,400.00. No arrests were made in this case. The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the vehicle was seized by Border Patrol.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize Over $3.1 Million Dollars in Narcotics
Laredo, Texas – Border Patrol agents continue disrupting the flow of drugs into the United States resulting in the seizure of over $3.1 million dollars in narcotics in two separate events.
On April 18, 2018, Border Patrol agents seized 2.46 pounds of methamphetamine and 2.35 pounds of cocaine at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas. Agents arrested two United States Citizen’s traveling on a Greyhound bus after discovering a bundle of cocaine underneath a seat and identifying another subject with a bundle of methamphetamine taped to his back. The methamphetamine was estimated to have a value of $81,552.00 and the cocaine was valued at $76,614.00. Both subjects and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On April 19, 2018, Border Patrol agents seized 91.96 pounds of liquid methamphetamine at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas. Agents encountered a black Pontiac vehicle at the primary inspection lane and referred the vehicle to secondary after a Border Patrol canine alerted for the presence of narcotics and/or concealed humans. A further search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of several bottles and plastic bags containing liquid methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was estimated to have a value of $2,944,000.00. The driver, a Mexican National, was arrested. The driver, narcotics and vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“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,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel H. Acosta.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Assist in the Rescue of 56 Illegal Aliens in a Stash House
Release Date: April 21, 2018
Laredo, Texas – On April 19, 2018, Border Patrol Agents along with the Laredo Police Department responded to a request for assistance from Homeland Security Investigations regarding suspicious activity at a residence on San Luis Street in south Laredo, Texas. A total of 56 illegal aliens which included men, women and children were found inside the residence. The subjects were determined to be from the countries of Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. All subjects were processed accordingly. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has the lead in the investigation.
“The partnerships in Laredo between the United States Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Laredo Police Department continue to show results in disrupting criminal organizations from operating in South Texas. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those responsible and prevent individuals from being subjected to deplorable conditions,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.
CBP Officers at the Pharr Port of Entry Seize Cocaine Valued at Over $347K
Packages containing 45 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge.Release Date: April 23, 2018
Pharr, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge seized alleged cocaine valued at $347,480.
“I commend our frontline CBP officers on this interception of hard narcotics. We are keeping drugs off of our streets, protecting our communities and our vigilance is continuous,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on April 19 at the Pharr International Bridge after CBP officers referred a white 2003 Honda Accord LX to secondary for an enforcement inspection. A 47-year-old female Mexican citizen from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico drove the vehicle. After a physical inspection and the use a non-intrusive imaging (NII) system, CBP officers discovered 17 packages containing 45 pounds of alleged cocaine.
CBP OFO 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.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest Nine Bangladeshi Nationals
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Laredo, Texas – On April 22, 2018 and April 23, 2018, Border Patrol agents in Laredo, Texas arrested nine illegal aliens from the country of Bangladesh during two events. The subjects were encountered after illegally crossing the Rio Grande River in south Laredo.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol continues to have the highest apprehension of Bangladeshi Nationals compared to other Border Patrol Sectors. Currently, the Laredo Sector Border Patrol has apprehended 200 Bangladeshi Nationals since the start of fiscal year 2018.
“It goes to show that our agents are arresting people from all over the world on a daily basis. Their intentions for entering the country illegally can only be determined after they have been arrested,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue 59 Illegal Aliens in a Tractor-Trailer
Laredo, Texas – On April 20, 2018, Agents at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas encountered a tractor-trailer at the primary inspection lane. The driver and passenger were questioned regarding their immigration status and referred to secondary after a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics.
Border Patrol Agents discovered 59 illegal aliens inside the trailer. The 59 illegal aliens were found in good health and identified as being from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras and Peru.
The driver and passenger, both United States Citizens, were arrested and the tractor-trailer was seized by Border Patrol. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the lead investigative agency in this case.
“These criminal organizations view these individuals as mere commodities without regard for their safety. The blatant disregard for human life will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle these organizations and prosecute those responsible,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions. Our Border Safety Initiative (BSI) is a humanitarian, bi-national strategy designed to reduce illegal alien deaths, educate and inform potential illegal aliens of the dangers and hazards of crossing the border illegally, and to respond to those who are in life-threatening situations.
CBP Officers Seize More Than $638K in Cocaine at the Laredo Port of Entry
Release Date: April 24, 2018 (No arrests or detainment’s reported)
Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized a significant amount of alleged cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $638,000 in one enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge over the weekend.
“The seizure intercepted by our CBP officers is a prime example of the caliber of individuals we have working in our agency,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Our CBP officers are America’s Frontline and continue to remain vigilant as they protect our nation from these dangerous drugs.”
On Saturday, April 21, CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge seized approximately 83 pounds of alleged cocaine in 33 packages concealed within a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of $638,520.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle. The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
View last week’s Border Arrests/Apprehensions & Drug Totals
