September 12, 2007    Laredo area, Texas
Customs agents seize 1,321 pounds of marijunana during two incidents

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector seized a total of 1,321 pounds of marijuana during two separate incidents recently.

Agents at the Freer, Texas checkpoint conducted a search in a tractor-trailer Tuesday morning and found 799.5 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $639,600. The drugs and two men, a U.S. citizen and a suspected illegal alien, were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Agents assigned to the Hebbronville station apprehended six Mexican nationals Wednesday while patrolling on ranch property located about nine miles south of town. The individuals all were carrying duffel bags with a total of more than 521 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of more than $415,000. The group and the drugs were turned over to the Jim Hogg County sheriff's office.

During fiscal year 2007, Laredo sector agents have seized nearly 126, 000 pounds of marijuana worth more than $100 million.

To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.

Source: US Customs