Del Rio Sector Border Patrol agents seize almost $2 million worth of marijuana

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents throughout Del Rio Sector seized more than 2,425 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of almost $2 million in recent weeks.

On Oct. 1, Brackettville Station agents followed foot-sign on a local ranch when they discovered a group of suspected undocumented aliens carrying military-style duffel bags. When agents confronted the subjects, they attempted to abscond. After a short foot pursuit agents apprehended three undocumented aliens. After a subsequent search of the area, agents found five military-style duffel bags containing 220 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $176,368.

On Oct. 10, agents from the Eagle Pass Station were conducting line watch operations when they observed a suspicious vehicle on the side of the road. When agents approached the vehicle, they observed several large bundles in the back seat of the car. Agents then attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the vehicle fled the scene. After a short pursuit, agents arrested the driver and seized three large bundles. The bundles contained 229 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $183,440. The subject, vehicle, and narcotics were turned over to the Department of Public Safety.

In several incidents between Sept. 9 and Oct. 10, agents from the Del Rio Sector seized 1,976 pounds of abandoned marijuana worth an estimated $1,584,130.  In all of the seizures, Border Patrol agents encountered foot sign along known narcotics smuggling trails. While walking the trails, agents encountered a total of 30 military-style duffel bags.

All cases were tuned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration unless otherwise stated.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. For Fiscal Year 2013, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has seized over 35,000 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $28 million dollars.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Eagle Pass Border Patrol agents arrest sex offender

Mexican subject had been previously deported

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass North Station apprehended a convicted sex offender on Oct. 9.    

Agents patrolling near the Eagle Pass Port of Entry encountered Antonio Huerta-Gutierrez, 38, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. During processing, agents discovered that Huerta-Gutierrez had been previously deported from the United States and was a convicted sex offender. Criminal records checks revealed Huerta-Gutierrez had a 1995 conviction out of Springfield, Ill. for aggravated criminal sexual assault and was sentenced to 27 years of incarceration.

Huerta-Gutierrez faces a charge of illegal entry - 8 USC 1326 - and his prior order of removal will be reinstated.

For Fiscal Year 2013, Del Rio Sector agents apprehended a total of 16 convicted sex offenders. The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.

Editors: Photo available upon request.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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