February 04, 2008  Hebbronville, Texas
Border Patrol finds 2,574 pounds of marijuana hidden in load of cotton seed

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville, Texas station uncovered more than a ton of marijuana hidden within a truckload of cotton seed Monday night.

A tractor-trailer drove into the checkpoint located near Hebbronville and as agents conducted an immigration inspection on the driver, a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the trailer, indicating the presence of hidden contraband or people.

The trailer was an open-top model carrying a bulk load of cotton seed. Agents dug through the seed and discovered 118 bundles of marijuana. The bundles had a total weight of 2,574.8 pounds and an approximate value of $2,059,840.

The driver, truck and drugs were turned over to Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

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

Source: US Customs/Border Patrol