Zapata Station Border Patrol agents seize 44 bundles of narcotics over separate incidents

U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Zapata Station in Texas recently stopped two separate drug smuggling incidents on Jan. 31.

The first incident began as agents, using the low-level airborne surveillance Aerostat system, observed two boats approaching the U.S. shoreline on Falcon Lake. As the agents approached the scene, they observed one boat fleeing at a high rate of speed. An unattended truck sat vacant at the edge of the shoreline with its tailgate down. When agents made contact with the truck, they were able to recover 19 bundles of narcotics.

The second incident occurred a few hours later as agents responded to a call regarding a suspicious vehicle near the station. After a brief examination of the truck, the agents recovered 25 square bundles of narcotics abandoned in the truck’s bed.

The 44 recovered bundles all tested positive for marijuana which carried an approximate street value of $782,691. All narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency for processing and the vehicles were seized by Border Patrol.

“We encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity in their community,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason Owens said. “Together, we can continue to disrupt these criminal organizations and improve the quality of life in our communities.”

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 the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.