LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Richard Pauza, 

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents, working closely with Office of Air and Marine, Laredo Air Branch air interdiction agents and Bruni firefighters helped recover 2,101 pounds of marijuana from an abandoned vehicle near Bruni, Texas that burst into flames.

“This collaborative effort between our Border Patrol agents, Laredo Air Branch and Bruni firefighters illustrates what can be achieved when federal and state law enforcement partners work together toward a common purpose,” said Chief Patrol Agent Mario Martinez, U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Sector.

The incident began on Monday, Aug. 31 when the driver of a 2012 Chevy Silverado pickup failed to yield to Border Patrol agents performing a vehicle stop in Bruni, Texas. The driver fled, abandoned the vehicle in ranchland near Bruni, Texas and attempted to flee into the brush.

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station arrived on scene and discovered the abandoned vehicle was on fire. Laredo Air Branch air interdiction agents provided aerial support as Border Patrol agents located and apprehended the driver. After Bruni firefighters extinguished the fire, Border Patrol agents extracted bundles and loose, partially burned bales containing nearly 2,102 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $1.6 million. Border Patrol agents turned the narcotics, vehicle and driver over to Drug Enforcement Administration agents for further investigation.

The Laredo 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. 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.