Texas Border: CBP Seize Over $2.9 Million In Drugs, Apprehend MS-13 Gang Members

This is our home, and to most Texans, the border isn’t a political issue or a tool to use against another political party; this is a safety and security issue, for us, our children, families, friends and our local and national law enforcement…

by Melissa Jewett, Publisher

Below you will find the latest information available for reported drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings that have occurred on the Texas border and ports over the week of October 25 – October 31, 2018.

It has been published by many news outlets around the country that the criminal activity on our Texas-Mexico border has been consistently dropping over the last couple of years, and Americans and Texans have been given inconsistent information on what is occurring on our border.

Our U.S. border issues are complex, and they affect all Texans. This is our home, and to most Texans, the border isn’t a political issue or a tool to use against another political party; this is a safety and security issue for us, our children, families, friends and our local and national law enforcement.

As you read below, we hope the information provided will help all Texans to better understand the problems happening on our southern border and what we need to do to repair our current immigration laws and policies that stem from our lawmakers in D.C.

However, to better understand if these are real problems or just political bloviation concerning our southern border with drug smuggling, human trafficking of children and adults, unaccompanied children and illegal immigrant crossings that include gang members and many from terrorist countries, we need the real numbers, facts and statistics.

Texas isn’t the only state that shares a border with Mexico. Therefore, as you read our weekly report below, remember this information is only what is occurring on the Texas-Mexico border and Texas ports.

This information has been gathered and compiled directly from information given to us by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is under the purview of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

As for the accuracy of the information we are providing to you, we can only decipher the information that is released to us. Therefore, the number of incidents, arrests, types of narcotics, weight or the street value of said narcotics is considered the minimum amount.

We give the totals of illegal crossing arrests, including their nationality, drug seizures including weight and “street value” totals, current charges or convictions of those apprehended and other items to help all of us make educated decisions. Additionally, we include links to our other weekly border stories.

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:

• Oct. 25, 2018: Texas Border: CBP Seize Weapons, Currency, $2.1 Million in Drugs And Arrest Two Child Molesters

• Oct. 18, 2018: Texas Border Sector CBP Officers Apprehend 390, Gang Members, Child Sex Offenders And Seize $1.7 Million In Drugs

• Oct. 11, 2018: CBP Apprehend Child Molester, MS-13 Gang Members And Seize $2.6M In Drugs On Texas Border

NOTE: The totals below for arrests, apprehensions, seizures, drugs, etc. are ONLY what is reported by Customs & Border Protection to us. There are multiple incidents that happen everyday on all U.S. borders that aren’t reported. Corridor News is not responsible for what is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.

• Week of Oct. 25 – Oct. 31, 2018 •

Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;

• El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, China, Bolivia and USC (U.S. Citizens)

• Arrests/Apprehensions Weekly Total: 149+ (“+”: see note below)

Of those above there were…

• 2 USC (U.S. Citizen);
• 1+ UAC (Unaccompanied Alien Children);
• 4 Mara Salvatrucha Gang Member(s) Also known as MS-13
• 3 Individuals apprehended with active criminal charges, warrants or convictions;
• 8 Vehicle(s) Seized
• Additional Seizures: Weapons, Drugs, Currency — totals not given

Warrants and/or Prior Criminal Convictions

• Prior Criminal Conviction(s): 3
• New charge(s) pending: 1

• 1- Convictions & criminal history to include robbery and aggravated assault.
• 1- Conviction of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and was sentenced to 56 months confinement in New York state.
  
• 1- Conviction in the state of Maryland involving a handgun. Subject was sentenced to 111 days confinement.
  
• 1- Pending charges for fraudulent U.S. visa use, an alleged violation of U.S. immigration law.

*Note: “+”; U.S. Customs and Border Patrol did not list exact or specific totals or countries on some reported incidents.

Texas Border Weekly Narcotic Seizures & Estimated Street Price

NOTE: The totals below are an estimate. U.S. dollar and pounds used.

• Total Weight of Narcotics: 423.91 lbs.
• Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $2,930,417.82 Million

CBP Finds Meth Masquerading as Food

CBP Officers Seize Meth Worth Over $1.7 Million at the Laredo Port of Entry

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted a large amount of narcotics during two enforcement actions over the weekend.

“I congratulate the officers in carrying out CBP’s border security mission and protecting the public from illegal narcotics,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP officers display exemplary vigilance in keeping dangerous drugs off our streets.”

Both seizures occurred on Sunday, October 28, 2018.

The first seizure occurred at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2009 Ford Fusion for a secondary examination.

Upon a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection by CBP officers, a total of 22 packages containing 42 pounds of alleged methamphetamine was discovered.

The last seizure occurred at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2012 Nissan Versa for a secondary examination. Upon a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection by CBP officers, a total of six packages containing 47 pounds of methamphetamine was discovered.

Both narcotics combined have an estimated street value of $1,798,071.

CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicles. The cases were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.

CBP Officers at Hidalgo International Bridge Seize Over $300K in Methamphetamine

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized $322,000 worth of methamphetamine this weekend in two separate, unrelated incidents.

“The small load concept continues to be predominant at our local international bridges as evidenced by these two interceptions of hard narcotics,” said Port Director David Gonzalez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Regardless of the type of illicit activity, our officers’ diligence and perseverance is unwavering.”

CBP officers detected the first smuggling attempt on Oct. 27 at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge after referring a 19-year-old male United States citizen from Houston, Texas driving a black 2007 Mitsubishi Galant for secondary inspection.

While inspecting the vehicle in secondary and with the use of non-intrusive imaging (NII) equipment, officers discovered six packages weighing 13.23 pounds (6 kgs) of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the vehicle. The street value on this seizure is $185,000.

The second interception occurred the following day at the same border crossing when CBP officers referred a 25-year-old female U.S. citizen from Pharr, Texas and the green Chrysler minivan she was driving for further inspection.

A CBP canine team, assisted in the secondary examination which resulted in the discovery of four packages of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the minivan. CBP OFO seized the 9.79 pounds (4.44 kgs) which carry an estimated value of $137,000.

On Oct. 26, CBP officers also detected a man from Oaxaca, Mexico attempting to enter the United States as a pedestrian utilizing a valid Mexican passport with a fraudulent U.S. visa.

CBP OFO seized all the narcotics, both vehicles and arrested both travelers who were ultimately turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.

The man attempting to enter illegally was detained pending an appearance before a federal U.S. magistrate on charges of alleged violation of U.S. immigration law.

Nearly $400,000 Worth of Illegal Narcotics Found in Eagle Pass

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station, in coordination with Eagle Pass police officers, seized 15.5 pounds of narcotics, which included black tar heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

“This seizure is a great example of how local and federal agencies work together to better prevent, protect against, and respond to border security threats,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “Due to the actions of our agents and our Operation Stonegarden partners, these illegal narcotics no longer pose a threat to our communities.”

On Oct. 20, an Eagle Pass police officer supporting Operation Stonegarden discovered an abandoned backpack containing 15 bundles of suspected narcotics. Agents took custody of the narcotics and transported them to the Eagle Pass South Station for testing.

The backpack was determined to contain 11.2 pounds of black tar heroin valued at $157,488.89, 3.2 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $211,920.53, and 1.1 pounds of cocaine valued at $29,937.40. The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Operation Stonegarden is an enforcement operation between the U.S. Border Patrol and state and local law enforcement agencies, focusing on enhancing law enforcement presence and visibility to deter criminal activity along the United States border.

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.

Border Patrol Agents Rescue Five Subjects Stranded in Rio Grande

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents rescued several illegal aliens stranded in the Rio Grande on Wednesday.

The rescue efforts began just before 12:00 p.m. on October 24, when Laredo Sector Border Patrol dispatch received information from a caller stating that five individuals were stranded on an island in the river.

The caller gave a description of landmarks near where the group was located, and agents from Laredo South Station and Air and Marine Operations responded.

About two hours after the initial call was received, and after searching several areas similar to the landmarks originally provided, agents located the group.

All five subjects were ferried from the island to the U.S. side of the Rio Grande, where they were evaluated and found to be in good health. 

All five were determined to be in the country illegally and were taken into custody for appropriate processing.

Stash Houses Discovered in the Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents and various law enforcement agencies disrupted two active stash houses operating in rural neighborhoods.

On Monday morning, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents working alongside Hidalgo County Constables Office Precinct 4 (HCCO) dismantled a stash house operating in Edinburg, Texas.

Agents and HCCO conducted a welfare check at the residence and identified 24 illegal aliens from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Bolivia.

Later that day, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Agents working in conjunction with the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted a welfare check on a residence in Rio Grande City.

Upon entry, agents identified and arrested four illegal aliens from Guatemala. The Border Patrol is processing all subjects 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!” 

Rental Truck and Tractor Trailer Used During Alien Smuggling Attempts in the Rio Grande Valley

FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents spoiled two separate human smuggling attempts at an immigration checkpoint resulting in the apprehension of 22 illegal aliens.

On Monday morning, agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a U-Haul box truck to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo. Upon inspection, agents unlocked the box truck and discovered eight illegal aliens inside.

The following day, agents referred a tractor trailer to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo. Inside the trailer, agents discovered 14 illegal aliens from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and China.

During processing, agents identified one of the illegal aliens as an unaccompanied child.

Agents referred both cases for prosecution.

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Arrests multiple MS-13 Gang Members

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley continue to encounter violent gang members.

Sunday night, Brownsville agents arrested four illegal aliens after entering the United States. During processing, record checks on a Mexican man confirmed the illegal alien is a Mara Salvatrucha gang member with an extensive criminal history to include robbery and aggravated assault.

Monday evening, McAllen agents apprehended a Salvadoran female in Granjeno, Texas. During processing, record checks revealed the illegal alien to be an active member of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha gang.

Tuesday, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents and multiple law enforcement agencies arrested 40 illegal aliens after conducting a welfare checks on a residence.

Record checks for one of the illegal aliens revealed he is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang with multiple charges involving assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and was sentenced to 56 months confinement in the state of New York.

Wednesday morning, McAllen agents arrested a Salvadoran male in Hidalgo, Texas. During processing, record checks revealed the man to be a Mara Salvatrucha gang member with a prior arrest in the state of Maryland involving a handgun. Subject was sentenced to 111 days confinement.

Rio Gande Valley Border Patrol seizes over 230 pounds of Marijuana

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents stop a narcotic smuggling event along the Rio Grande.

On Tuesday, Rio Grande City agents responded to a report of an illegal entry near Rio Grande City. Upon arrival, agents observed a Ford Fusion driving out of the area at a high rate of speed.

Mobile units attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the driver of the Ford Fusion abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.

Agents secured the vehicle and discovered several bundles of marijuana inside. The marijuana weighed over 230 pounds and is worth an estimated $186K.

The Border Patrol turned over the narcotics to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Combined Efforts Lead to Stash House Discovery in the Rio Grande Valley

ROMA, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Office (HSI TFO) disrupted an active stash house operating in a residential neighborhood in Roma, Texas.

Tuesday, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents received information of a possible stash house operating in Roma, Texas.

Agents, HIDTA and HSI TFO agents arrived to the suspected location and upon arrival discovered 40 illegal aliens inside the residence.

The illegal aliens were from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. The Border Patrol is processing all subjects 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!”