134554_110304 bosa

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATIONThis document was created by Texas Department of Public Safety’s Border Security Operations Center in conjunctionwith federal, state, and local Unified Command partners as part of ongoing border security efforts and should besafeguarded and protected in accordance with the requirements of the above classification. The above classificationincludes this document and any accompanying attachments and/or e-mails.


Key Events and Findings

• The RGV Sector and Coastal Bend Sectors have had 2,000+ lbs loads of marijuana co-mingled

with citrus fruits (oranges and limes).

• Over the last four weeks the cocaine seizures have been significantly lower than the 2010

weekly average.

• The RGV Sector accounted for 119.97 lbs or 52% of total reported border cocaine seizures this

reporting period.

• On 26 FEB 2011, two separate seizures, one cocaine and one heroin, occurred at two different

Points of Entry involving being concealed within the structure of the wooden crates containing

religious statues.

• For the second week in a row in the RGV Sector, there has been a repeated concealment and

transport method of contraband in Malher refried bean cans by taxi cabs (One Mexican and one

US).

• Almost every sector reported an increase in currency seizures with the exception of RGV who

reported a small decrease.

• On 28 FEB 2011, a joint operation carried out by Mexican police and soldiers led to the arrest of

Luis Miguel Rojo Ocejo aka El Oso Rojo, 27, in San Luis Potosí, who was identified as the

alleged financial head of Los Zetas in the state.

• The Texas DPS is urging Spring Breakers to avoid traveling to Mexico because of continued

violence—and reminding boaters to stay on the U.S. side of Falcon Lake.


287

287

27

Dallam Lipscomb

Hemphill

Potter Gray

Parmer

Cochran

Yoakum

Hall

Hale Motley

LubbockDickens

Andrews

King

Terry

ShermanHansford Ochiltree

Hutchinson

Wheeler

Randall Armstrong Donley

CastroBriscoe

Childress

Cottle

Hardeman

Foard

Hartley Roberts

OldhamCarson

Deaf SmithCollingsworth

Bailey

Swisher

Lamb Floyd

HockleyCrosby

Gaines

Knox

Lynn GarzaKent Stonewall

Jeff Davis

Reeves

Loving Winkler

Ward

Ector

Dawson

Martin

Zavala

UvaldeKinney

Edwards

Brewster

La Salle

Dimmit

Starr

Bowie

CassCam

p

Titus

Fra

nklin

Mo

rris

Rains Marion

KaufmanHarrison

PanolaGregg

Rusk

Bell

WilliamsonMilam

Sabine

Trinity

UpshurWood

Van Zandt

NavarroHill

Cherokee

Freestone

McLennan

Falls

Shelby

Nacogdoches

San

Augustine

Jasper

Jefferson

Tyler

Walker

Polk

Robertson

Madison

Brazos

Hardin

San Jacinto

Grimes

Liberty

Chambers

Montgomery

Burleson

Lee

Ellis

Goliad

BeeLive Oak

Duval

Jim Hogg

Henderson

Anderson

Leon

Limestone

Travis

Hays

Comal

Houston

Angelina

Newton

Orange

Cooke Grayson Fannin

CollinDentonHunt

Lamar

Delta

Hopkins

Dallas

Red River

Rockwall

Nolan

Baylor

Jones Shackelford Stephens

Archer

Young

Taylor

Haskell Throckmorton

Callahan

Howard

Borden Parker

Erath

Palo Pinto

Montague

Clay

Wichita

Wilbarger

WiseJack

Upton

BrownColeman

RunnelsCoke

SterlingGlasscock

Midland

Crane

Menard

McCulloch

Concho

Sutton

Schleicher

Tom Green

Crockett

Pecos

Irion

Reagan

Comanche

Hood

Bosque

Somervell

Hamilton

Kimble

Mason

Mills

San Saba

Blanco

Burnet

Lampasas

Johnson

Gillespie

Terrell

Llano

Coryell

Tarrant

Washington

Fayette

Lavaca

Colorado

Austin

Fort Bend

Brazoria

HarrisBastrop

Matagorda

Kerr

Real

Bexar

Wilson

Karnes

Caldwell

Gonzales

DeWitt

Waller

Kendall

Atascosa

Frio

Medina

Bandera

Galveston

Fisher

Scurry

Mitchell

Culberson

Webb

Jeff Davis

Val VerdePresidio

Moore

Dona Ana

Luna

Grant

Hidalgo

Eastland

Guadalupe

Jim Wells

Willacy

Kenedy

Cameron

Wharton

Jackson

Victoria

Refugio

San Patricio

Nueces

Kleberg

Brooks

Hudspeth

Otero

HudspethEl Paso

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

El Paso Sector

p. 05-14

Marfa Sector

p. 15-20

Del Rio Sector

p. 20-29

Laredo Sector

p. 30-42Rio Grande

Valley Sector

p. 43-63

Coastal Bend

Sector

p. 64-79

Statewide Corridor Seizures

p. 80-85

Overall Assessment

p. 97-102

Sig. Mexico Events

p. 86-96

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

Operation BORDER STAR 23 FEB – 1 MAR 2011


EL PASO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR23 FEB – 1 MAR 2011

EL PASO

H U

D S P

E T H


UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS

Horizon City PD

Ysleta Del Sur Tribal PD

El Paso ISD PD

University of Texas El Paso PD

El Paso Community College PD

El Paso Office of Emergency

Management

Texas Tech University PD

Texas Comptroller of Public

Accounts

Texas Attorney General, El Paso

Union Pacific Railroad PD

Texas Alcohic Beverage

Commission

El Paso County Constables

USBP CBP – OFOICE West TX HIDTAEPICTMFDPS TPWDUS Army, Ft. Bliss CIDEl Paso CO SOHudspeth CO SODona Ana CO SO (NM)Grant CO SO (NM)Hidalgo CO SO (NM)Luna CO SO (NM)Otero CO SO (NM)Anthony PDEl Paso PD

Full Map/Table of Contents


El Paso SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 0

Bailouts 0

Criminal Arrests 101

Fugitive Arrests 59

Gang Related Criminal Arrests 7

Pursuits 2

Scouts/Decoys 0

Illegal Alien Apprehensions

IAs/Referrals 0

IAs/USBP 311

OTMs 15

OTM Countries

El Salvador 2

Guatemala 5

Colombia 1

Honduras 3

Trinidad 1

Nigeria 1

Russia 1

Korea 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 3,824.14 lbs

Cocaine 5.30 lbs

Heroin 0.39 lbs

Methamphetamine 0.002 lbs

Currency $2,866.00

Other

Promethazine, (3 pills)

Clonazapam, (8 pills)

Hydrocodone, (1 pill)

Tramadol, (1 pill)

Ecstacy, (25.5 pills)

Unknown, (1 pill)

Weapons

Handgun(s) 0

Long Gun(s) 0

Explosive(s) 0

Vehicles Stolen / Recovered

Stolen 15

Recovered 4


$20,000El Paso UC Currency Seizures5,000.00El Paso UC Marijuana Seizures 100.00El Paso UC Cocaine Seizures 500El Paso UC Illegal AliensEl Paso SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

$0

$16,086

$620

$2,866

$0

$2,000

$4,000

$6,000

$8,000

$10,000

$12,000

$14,000

$16,000

$18,000

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

El Paso UC Currency Seizures

2,351.78

3,205.64

1,843.74

3,824.14

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

3,500.00

4,000.00

4,500.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Marijuana Seizures

8.81

72.88

21.21

5.310.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

El Paso UC Cocaine Seizures

140

256

186

311

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

El Paso UC Illegal Aliens


Southbound operations

El Paso PD conducted Southbound Operations on 01 MAR 2011 in support of Operation Border

Star during this reporting period. Reports indicate one stolen vehicle was recovered. Southbound

Operations have concluded.

Gang activity

Gangster Disciple Varrio Gatos Locos Crazy Mexican Gangster

Lopez Maravilla Los Ortiz Brothers Barrio Azteca (1 Associate)

Seven gang-related incidents were reported during this period involving eight arrests of members

from six different gangs. There were seven criminal and one fugitive arrests. The incidents involved:

Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Homicide, Aggravated Assault /

Family Violence, DWI, Evading Arrest with a Motor Vehicle, and a currency seizure of $2,866.00

USD. A Lopez Maravilla gang member was involved in a stabbing death of a 15 year old juvenile.

Lopez Maravilla originated in California. They

started to appear in El Paso in the early 80‘s.

Originally a Sureno set, Lopez Maravilla broke away

from the Sureno umbrella and became an

independent gang. LMV gang members now use

green as their color and no longer carry the

traditional blue or gray Sureno colors. The El Paso

Police Department‘s gang data base shows

approximately 126 active members in the El Paso,

TX area. They are mostly active in the North East

and Central parts of El Paso.

ARRESTED

HUGO

GONZALEZ

DOB: 12/28/1992

Lopez Maravilla

gang member


Additional information (cont)

• On 18 FEB 2011,

42.22 lbs of marijuana

that was concealed

within the dashboard

area of a 1998 Ford

Econoline van.

• On 20 FEB 2011, 93.59 lbs of

marijuana that was concealed

inside the roof of a 1999 Ford

Expedition.

• On 23 FEB 2011,

35.16 lbs of marijuana

that was concealed

within the firewall and

dash area of a 2002

Ford Focus.

CBP-OFO Officers at the Paso Del Norte POE seized:



• On 18 FEB 2011, 98.55 lbs of marijuana that was concealed inside the spare tire,

gas tank, doors and exterior dash area of a 2004 Jeep Liberty.

• On 18 FEB 2011, 64.72 lbs of

marijuana that was concealed

inside the fuel tank of a 1998

Ford Explorer.

CBP-OFO Officers at the Bridge of the Americas POE seized:

• On 21 FEB 2011, 44.58

lbs of marijuana that

was hidden inside the

firewall and left frame

rail of a 2003 Honda

Pilot.




CBP-OFO Officers:

• On 19 FEB 2011, at the Columbus POE seized 143.74 Lbs of marijuana that was

concealed in all four tires and the spare of a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT.

• On 24 FEB 2011, at the Bridge of the Americas POE seized 214.60 lbs of

marijuana that was concealed within the floor of a 2002 Ford Explorer.

• On 21 FEB 2011, at

the Ysleta POE

seized 26.19 lbs of

marijuana that was

concealed within the

fuel tank of a 1994

Chevrolet Camaro.



The El Paso Sector experienced an increase in

seizures of marijuana, and currency. Of the total

3,824 lbs of marijuana seized, 1,103 lbs was

seized at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA), 70

lbs at the Ysleta POE, 1,083 lbs at the Paso Del

Norte POE, 545 lbs at Santa Teresa, and

952 lbs in the Lordsburg area. There were 32

reported marijuana seizures across the POE‘s,

and one cocaine seizure at the BOTA (5.11 lbs).

There has been a noted increase in the

concealment of contraband under vehicle

flooring, however, quarter panels, tires, and fuel

tanks still remain the predominate concealment

locations in a wide variety of vehicles.

El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment

A CBP Agent cuts a padlock from a

U-Haul trailer during Southbound

Ops after the the renter was unable

to produce a key. No contraband

was discovered.

El Paso Police Department Auto Theft

Task Force License Plate Reader in

position during South Bound Operation

at the Bridge of the Americas.

• On 29 FEB 2011, CBP-OFO Officers at the Santa Teresa POE seized 545.42 lbs of marijuana

that was concealed in the floorboard of a 2000 GMC Yukon.

El Paso PD Auto Theft Task Force

License Plate Reader in position

during southbound operation at the

Bridge of the Americas.


El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment (cont)

During this reporting period, 311 IA‘s were apprehended. IA apprehensions

increased by 125 from the previous week‘s 186. The total reported IA apprehensions

within the El Paso Sector from January 5 through March 1 is 1,638 with 108 being

other than Mexican (OTM).

From 1/05 – 1/11 (119 apprehensions)








GUATE, 12

ALGER, 1

BRAZIL, 3

HONDO, 12

ELSAL, 6

INDIA, 5

UINEA, 1

URUGU, 1

COLOM, 2

PERU, 5

CHINA, 1LITHU, 1

RUSSI, 1 KOREA, 1TRINI, 1

NIGIA, 1

893 IA Apprehensions between Feb 2 and Mar 1

GUATE

ALGER

BRAZIL

HONDO

ELSAL

INDIA

UINEA

URUGU

COLOM

PERU

CHINA

LITHU

RUSSI

KOREA

TRINI

NIGIA

Leading IA OTMs thus far to date:

Guatemala 23

Honduras 18

El Salvador 16

India 14


El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment

City-wide index crime continues to show a decrease

compared to the same time frame last year. There is a

noted 800% increase (8) in murders, a 100% increase

(19) in sexual assaults, a 14% increase (8) in robberies,

a 7% decrease (112) in assaults, a 7% decrease (19) in

burglary, a 23% decrease (69) in vehicle theft, and a

15% decrease (66) in vehicle burglary. It is noteworthy

that overall crime continues to remain low with the

continued population increase.Charts and Graphs: El Paso PD

Population of El Paso: 644,638

Citywide (YTD through Feb 26th, 2011)

Offense 2010 2011 % Change

Murder 1 9 800%

Sexual Aslt 19 38 100%

Robbery 58 66 14%

Aslt 1,697 1,585 -7%

Burglary 290 271 -7%

Larceny 2,103 1,774 -16%

Veh Theft 300 231 -23%

*Burg Vehicle 428 362 -15%

Total: 4,468 3,974 -11%

*** Crime Rate: 693 616 -11%

Murder, 1

Sexual Aslt, 19 Robbery, 58

Aslt, 1,697

Burglary, 290

Larceny , 2,103

Veh Theft, 300

*Burg Vehicle , 428

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City Wide for week ending 02-26-2010

Murder, 9Sexual Aslt, 38

Robbery, 66

Aslt, 1,585

Burglary, 271

Larceny , 1,774

Veh Theft, 231

*Burg Vehicle , 362

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City Wide for week ending 02-26-2011


H U D S P E T H

P E C O S

T E R R E L L

C U L B E R S O N

J E F F D A V I S

B R E W S T E R

R E E V E S


MARFA UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR23 FEB – 1 MAR 2011


Hudspeth CO SO Jeff Davis CO SO Pecos CO SO Presidio CO SO Reeves CO SO Terrell CO SO Alpine PD Fort Stockton PDPecos PD Presidio PD

USBP CBP - OFO ICE NPSWest TX HIDTATMFTPWDDPSBrewster CO SO Culberson CO SO

P R E S I D I O



Marfa SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 0

Bailouts 0

Criminal Arrests 91

Fugitive Arrests 0


Pursuits 0

Scouts/Decoys 0


IAs/Referrals 2

IAs/USBP 65

OTMs 5

OTM Countries

United Kingdom 1

Honduras 3

El Salvador 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 135.27 lbs

Cocaine 0.02 lbs

Heroin 0.01 lbs


Currency $26,185.00

OtherHashish – 2.585 lbs

Oxycodone – 2 pills

Peyote – 0.04 lbs

Weapons

Handgun(s) 0

Long Gun(s) 0

Explosive(s) 0


Stolen 0

Recovered 0

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSATIVE


$0

$8,660

$5,829

$26,185

$0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

$30,000

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Marfa UC Currency Seizures

3,767.55

912.50

3,388.29

135.270.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

3,500.00

4,000.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ized

Marfa UC Marijuana Seizures

0.01

0.00

0.05

0.02

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0.06

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Marfa UC Cocaine Seizures

20

59

49

65

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Marfa UC Illegal Aliens

Marfa SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:


Additional information

• 79.01 lbs of marijuana in the rear cargo area of a 2011

GMC Sierra and arrested two subjects. The marijuana,

vehicle and subjects were turned over to DEA.

THP in Culberson Co seized 1.50 lbs of marijuana, $26,185 USD located in a 2010

Chevrolet Tahoe and arrested three subjects. The marijuana, vehicle, currency, and

subjects were turned over to CID.

• 49.42 lbs of marijuana, 2.53 lbs of

hashish, 0.04 lbs of peyote from a green

1997 Ford Explorer, and arrested two

subjects. The narcotics, vehicle and

subjects were turned over to DEA.

USBP Agents in Hudspeth Co seized:

Marfa Unified Command Sector AssessmentMarijuana seizures by the Unified Command in the Marfa Sector are down to 135.27 lbs as

compared to last week‘s total of 3,388 lbs. The two largest sector marijuana seizures occurred at

the Sierra Blanca Checkpoint with 79.01 lbs and 49.42 lbs. Additionally, 2.58 lbs of hashish was

seized this week. Information indicates that backpacking remains a major method of smuggling

marijuana though the area to highways north of the border.


0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

Janu

ary

Febru

ary

March

Ap

ril

May

Jun

e

July

Au

gust

Sep

tem

be

r

Octo

be

r

No

vem

be

r

De

cem

ber

2009

2010

2011

Marijuana Seizures in Marfa Sector from April 2009 - Present

In 2009, the Marfa Unified Command averaged a reported 598 lbs per week and in 2010, 1,295 lbs

per week. The first nine weeks of 2011 are showing to be the busiest year to date, with an average of

1,831 lbs per week. In comparison to the first nine weeks of 2010, which averaged 1,550 lbs per week.

Analysis of weekly averages shows twice as much marijuana was seized in 2010 as 2009. As of the

first nine weeks of 2011, we are showing a 30% increase in weekly averages compared to 2010

weekly averages.

Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment (cont)

Operation GEAR JAMMER began 21 FEB 2011 and ended this week on 25 FEB 2011. The operation

consisted of a concentration on commercial vehicles utilized to smuggle aliens or drugs and included

checkpoints and ports of entry through the El Paso and Marfa Sectors. The Operation also involved an

increase in state and local law enforcement presence on highways. Information indicates that this

Operation may have caused the DTOs to put off sending loads through the area. As is normal for this

type of activity, the DTOs tend to wait out law enforcement concentrated efforts or send the contraband

north through areas not affected by concentrated interdiction efforts.


V A L V E R D E

U V A L D E

R E A L

K I N N E Y

D I M M I T

E D W A R D S

Z A V A L A


DEL RIO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR23 FEB – 1 MAR 2011


Maverick CO SOReal CO SOVal Verde CO SOUvalde CO SOZavala CO SODel Rio PD38th Judicial District (Volunteer)Dimmit CO Constable (Volunteer)Edwards CO SO (Volunteer)Uvalde PD (Volunteer)

USBPCBP-OFO ICE-FNUSouth TX HIDTANPSUSCGTPWDTMFDPSDimmit CO SOKinney CO SO



Del Rio SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 46

Bailouts 12

Criminal Arrests 32

Fugitive Arrests 9


Pursuits 0

Scouts/Decoys 1


IAs/Referrals 23

IAs/USBP 208

OTMs 68

OTM Countries

Brazil 1

Ecuador 7

El Salvador 22

Guatemala 18

Honduras 20

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 84.61 lbs

Heroin 0 lbs

Methamphetamine 0 lbs

Currency $12,900.00

Other 0

Weapons

Handgun(s) 0

Long Gun(s) 0

Explosive(s) 0


Stolen 0

Recovered 9


Del Rio Sector

The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$0 $0 $0

$12,900

$0

$2,000

$4,000

$6,000

$8,000

$10,000

$12,000

$14,000

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Del Rio UC Currency Seizures

2,454.91 2,080.13

5,083.52

2,538.64

0.00

1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

iju

ana

Seiz

ed

Del Rio UC Marijuana Seizures

93.48

0.000.03

84.61

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Del Rio UC Cocaine Seizures

233

371

210 208

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Del Rio UC Illegal Aliens


• Recovered a stolen 2006 Buick from Luling, TX. The driver was arrested.

• Detained one subject who was in the country illegally and had three prior formal

prosecutions. The subject was turned over for prosecution.

Southbound Operations:

• During two separate traffic stops, Zavala Co SO Deputies identified

members of three gangs. The gangs included MEXICAN MAFIA and

TANGO BLAST. In a second stop, a DPS-THP Trooper identified a

possible member of the OREJON gang.

Maverick Co SO Deputies and USBP Agents working the Eagle Pass POE, Bridge #1:

Gang Activity:

• Agents of the FALLEN HERO Task Force, including a Deputy from Uvalde Co

SO, arrested one subject in the Eagle Pass area and seized 3.4 lbs of

cocaine, 1 lb of crack-cocaine, and $12,900 USD. (Actual time and date not

available.)


DPS-Air Assisted:

USBP Agents and DPS-CID followed a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 as it

approached an area in Quemado known for smuggling. The Aircrew observed

eight subjects coming out of the brush and starting to load bundles into the truck

bed. The Agents also observed the individuals throwing bundles over a fence.

When the Agents identified themselves, the subjects dropped the bundles and

absconded back to the river, including the driver. Agents seized a total of 11

bundles of marijuana weighing 758 lbs. The DEA took custody of the marijuana.

Additional Information




• Observed several individuals walking away from the Rio Grande in the Rosita

South area, SE of Eagle Pass, carrying military style duffel bags. The subjects

dropped the duffel bags and absconded back towards the river when the Agents

identified themselves. A search of the area yielded four duffel bags containing

286.96 lbs of marijuana. The DEA took custody of the contraband.

• Observed a white 2002 Ford Escape pulled over on the side of the road and 3 to

4 individuals coming out of the brush placing green duffel bags inside the vehicle.

The Agents performed a traffic stop on the vehicle. The bundles were in plain

sight and the Agents arrested the subjects. The duffel bags contained 12 bricks

of marijuana with a total weight of 220 lbs. The subjects and marijuana were

turned over to DPS-CID and the vehicle was seized by USBP.

USBP Agents:




•

Packages seen in gas tank Packages seen in tireBuster reading

Cut out on sending unit of gas tank

CBP-OFO Officers at the Eagle Pass POE :

• At Bridge 1, referred a Grey 2010 Dodge Journey to secondary inspection. The

driver stated she was coming back from Piedras Negras following a doctor's visit.

The service K-9 alerted to the gas tank area. A search of the gas tank revealed

multiple packages of cocaine weighing 60.54 lbs. The subject and contraband

were turned over to DPS-CID and the vehicle was seized by CBP-OFO.

• At Bridge 2, referred a 1993 Ford F-150 to secondary inspections following an

active TECS hit. The K-9 alerted to the gas tank area. There were also high

buster readings on the spare tire. Inspection of both areas yielded multiple

packages of marijuana weighing 110.32 lbs. ICE took custody of the subject and

narcotics. The vehicle was seized.



USBP Agents:


• Performing traffic watch on US-277 observed a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer

driving along Hopedale Loop towards the Rio Grande. As this is a high traffic

area for alien and narcotic smuggling, the Agent followed the vehicle to perform

a registration check. The Agent activated emergency lights to perform an

immigration check. The vehicle failed to yield and began speeding down US-

277 to the downtown section of Eagle Pass. Assisting Agents were able to stop

the vehicle, and placed the driver under arrest. Agents observed three double

wrapped bundles in the rear seat and cargo area of the vehicle. The bundles

yielded 240 lbs of marijuana. The DEA took custody of the subject and

marijuana. The vehicle was seized by USBP.

• Observed the driver and passenger displaying nervous behavior in a black 2003

Chevrolet Sierra that appeared heavily loaded from the rear. The Agent activated

the emergency lights to conduct an immigration check. The driver and passenger

admitted to being in the US illegally. Three IAs were found hiding in the back seat

area of the truck. The driver and passenger are being held and processed for

alien smuggling. The three IAs were processed for removal and the vehicle was

seized.CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE



USBP Agents working the Eagle Pass US-57 Checkpoint were alerted to a 2000 Ford

Taurus following a K-9 alert. Agents referred the vehicle to secondary inspection and

received a consent to search. The K-9 was deployed and alerted to the indoor seams

of both rear doors. A search of the doors revealed multiple packages wrapped in black

tape and a strong odor of marijuana. A total of eight small packages of marijuana were

seized, weighing 8.32 lbs. One subject, the vehicle, and the marijuana were turned

over to the Maverick Co SO.

A Dimmit Co SO Deputy observed two vehicles parked off the road by

San Roque Creek, then proceed onto the main roadway. The Deputy

conducted a records check, which reported both trucks to be stolen out

of San Antonio. The Deputy followed the red Ford F-250 fled into a

local ranch 5 miles north of Asherton on FM-190. The driver and

occupants absconded into the brush. The truck had minor damage to

the front end, a broken ignition switch and a missing rear seat. The

second vehicle, a blue 2007 Ford F-350, was recovered on 22 FEB

2011 and was on last

week‘s report.


Del Rio Sector Unified Command Sector Assessment

This reporting period saw a decrease in the total marijuana seized by approximately 50%. The total

seized this reporting period is 2,538.64 lbs in 11 incidents. This reporting period the total cocaine

seized is 84.61 pounds. The total seized this year is 43.3% of the total amount of cocaine seized in

2010. With the exception of two minor seizures in Dimmit and Zavala Counties, the seizures were

in Maverick Co along the US-277 corridor.

Stolen vehicle recoveries this period remain high, with nine recoveries – two less than the last

reporting period. The majority of the vehicles are reported stolen out of San Antonio, and recovered

in Dimmit Co. Bailouts were almost the same, with 12; however, the absconds increased from 22

to 46 this reporting period. This is due in part to larger loads of both IAs and narcotics being

smuggled. IA apprehensions were 2 less than last reporting period; however, the OTMs doubled to

68.

DPS-THP strike team is in operation in the sector through March 4th.

Stolen Vehicles

Recovered

Drug Seizures


W E B B

J I MH O G G

D U V A L

Z A P A T A

L A S A L L E

F R I O


LAREDO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR23 FEB – 1 MAR 2011


Jim Hogg CO SOLa Salle CO SO Webb CO SO Zapata CO SO Dilley PD Laredo PDPearsall PD

CBP ICE TPWDTMFDPSDuval CO S O Frio CO SO



Laredo SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds

Bailouts

Criminal Arrests 10

Fugitive Arrests

Gang Related Criminal Arrests

Pursuits

Scouts/Decoys


IAs/Referrals 58

IAs/USBP 954

OTMs 118

OTM Countries

Brazil 3

Cameroon 1

Dominican Republic 6

Ecuador 5

El Salvador 19

Guatemala 42

Honduras 30

India 10

Peru 1

Venezuela 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 15.018 lbs

Heroin 2.82lbs

Methamphetamine 0 lbs

Currency $118,100.00

Other

Weapons

Handgun(s) 1

Long Gun(s)

Explosive(s)Vehicles Stolen / Recovered

Stolen 10

Recovered 1


Laredo Sector


*Due to a combined BOSA, IA stats were split in half for the last two weeks.

$1,430 $7,515 $0

$118,100

$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Laredo UC Currency Seizures

4,484.40

12,061.33

2,954.00

8,265.50

0.00

2,000.00

4,000.00

6,000.00

8,000.00

10,000.00

12,000.00

14,000.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Laredo UC Marijuana Seizures

0.09

5.62

13.78

15.02

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Laredo UC Cocaine Seizures

471

544 811

954

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Laredo UC Illegal Aliens


Southbound operations

On 26 FEB 2011, CBP/OFO Officers working at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge in

Laredo, TX, seized 3 boxes of .223 ammunition concealed within the subject‘s purse, and

8 magazines concealed within front tire well of a 2000 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was

outbound to Mexico. The female driver, vehicle, and contraband were turned over to ICE.


On 22 FEB 2011, DPS Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe on IH-35

MM 110. Consent to search was obtained and three bundles of US Currency wrapped in

black electrical tape was located in the rear cargo area. Total seized was $19,600 USD.

BUNDLES OF MARIJUANA ON TOP

OF EMPTY RACKS

On 24 FEB, CBP/OFO Officers working at the World Trade

Bridge seized 174 bundles of marijuana weighing 7,049 lbs that

was concealed with in the tractor trailer. The driver and tractor-

trailer were released.



On 23 FEB 2011, working near the Dairy property

observed five subjects absconding back into

Mexico. Agents searched the area and located

four bundles of abandoned marijuana weighing

243.5 lbs. The contraband was turned over to

DEA. (Laredo South)

On 23 FEB 2011, working near the riverbanks observed a white 1997 Ford

Expedition at the end of Sanchez Street. Four subjects absconded into the brush.

Agents recovered six bundles of marijuana weighing a total of 489 lbs from inside

the vehicle. The vehicle was later reported stolen out of Laredo, TX. The contraband

was turned over to DEA. (Laredo North)

USBP Agents:




On 24 FEB 2011, Jim Hogg Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 1998 Pontiac

Grand Prix on FM 1017. Deputy escorted the vehicle to the USBP checkpoint where

a service K-9 alerted to the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed

164 lbs of marijuana and 0.336 lbs of cocaine concealed in several false

compartments in the trunk. Male subject was arrested and vehicle was seized.

On 23 FEB 2011, Laredo PD Officers arrested two male subjects and charged with

possession of cocaine. Officers recovered 21 doses of cocaine with a total weight of

0.002 lbs and one Hersta FN handgun with two clips and ammunition. Both subjects

were later remanded to the Webb Co Jail.

On 25 FEB 2011, DPS Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2001 Freightliner

Century Tractor Trailer on IH-35S. The subsequent search of the cab revealed 16

bundles of US currency (totaling $98,500 USD) concealed in the sleeper. Male

driver was arrested and currency was seized.

On 25 FEB 2011, TPWD Game Wardens working on Falcon Lake observed a vessel

entering Texas waters and proceeded to make a water safety inspection. The vessel

was found abandoned in a cove north of Chipote. The vessel, motor and 660 ft of

illegal gill net were seized by Game Wardens.




• On 26 FEB 2011, working at the US-59 checkpoint referred the driver of a red

2010 Dodge Pickup to secondary inspections after a service K-9 alerted to the

driver‘s side door. Agents discovered two bundles of cocaine (totaling 52 lbs)

wrapped in reflective tape inside the drivers door. The subject, vehicle, and

narcotics were turned over to DEA.

• On 01 MAR 2011, in Duval, TX, working on US-59, seized 44.1 lbs of abandoned

marijuana in the brush approximately 4 miles NW of Freer. The contraband was

turned over to DEA.

USBP Agents in Freer:




• Seized 9.48 lbs of cocaine concealed inside cans of refried beans (Malher brand)

and arrested the male passenger in a Mexican taxi.

CBP/OFO Officers Working at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge:

• Seized 2.82 lbs of heroin concealed within the insoles of shoes. The male

passenger was released. Subject was traveling in a Mexican taxi.




On 2 MAR 2011, a THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Dodge Durango on

IH-35 MM 117 near Devine, TX. The Trooper observed several bundles of suspected

marijuana in the rear seat and cargo area under blankets. A consent to search

revealed a total of 219 lbs of marijuana. A female subject was arrested and vehicle was

seized.

Juan Acevedo Sr.

ON 28 MAR, USBP Hebbronville Agents working at the

FM-1017 Checkpoint referred a brown 1990 Chevrolet

Pick-up to secondary inspection after a K-9 alerted to

the back of the truck. Agents discovered 24 bundles of

marijuana weighing 56.9 lbs concealed in the fuel tank.

The driver, passenger, vehicle, and contraband were

turned over to Jim Hogg Co SO. The passenger was a

minor and was released.



• While searching for 10 illegal aliens that crossed the border into the US near the

DeLeon Property, Aircrew assisted with one apprehension. During the same

flight, Aircrew assisted with a search of 10 back-packers, the subjects absconded

back into Mexico, but left 4 backpacks containing marijuana.

USBP assisted by DPS AVN:

23 FEB 2011

24 FEB 2011

• While tracking a group of six subjects in South Laredo, Aircrew spotted two

subjects on the riverbanks, and observed one subject abscond back into Mexico.

The two subjects were apprehended.

• While tracking a group of 13 subjects in North Laredo. Aircrew spotted the group

as Agents arrived the group fled in many directions. A total of nine subjects were

apprehended.

• Located a group of five subjects spotted by cameras in South Laredo. Aircrew

spotted the subjects, and Agents apprehended all five subjects.

25 FEB 2011

• Tracked a large group of subjects in South Laredo

just south of the LCC Water Plant. A total of 20

subjects were apprehended.




• Tracking subjects in North Laredo near Mines

Road about 30 miles Northwest of Laredo.

Aircrew located the group as agents were

directed to the group location. A total of 12

subjects were apprehended.

USBP assisted by DPS AVN:

26 FEB 2011

• Laredo South Agents search for subjects crossing the river in an inner-tube West

of the H.E.B. grocery store, in South Laredo. The subject crossed back into

Mexico while another subject surrendered to Agents.

• Located a group of 15 subjects trying to enter the US down river of the water

plant. USBP Laredo North Agents were notified and monitored the area. The

Agents apprehended seven subjects with 10 subjects turned back to Mexico.

• Laredo South Agents search for a group of ten subjects North of the Geo Prison

Facility in South Laredo area. The Aircrew located two subjects that were

apprehended by Agents.

• Laredo West Agents search for a group on the Galvan Ranch Property, East of

Mines Road, 30 miles Northwest of Laredo. The group was spotted and

attempted to flee in multiple directions. A total of 10 subjects were apprehended

by Agents.

25 FEB 2011




On 1 MAR 2011 Laredo PD received a call of a grenade spotted on N. Arkansas

Ave, just outside the Super Tejano Express. Dispatch originally advised officers en

route that the complainant received a call that there was a hand grenade outside his

business and that someone wanted to kidnap his son. The Laredo PD Bomb

responded shortly to the location. Once at the scene, LPD K-9‘s Explosive

Detection dogs checked the area for any secondary explosives but none were

found. The recovered grenade was determined not to be a live explosive due to the

fact that it was missing several key parts such as the handle, sticker, and pin. The

grenade was recovered.

The Laredo Unified Command had a significant increase in all aspects for this reporting period with

exception of illegal alien apprehensions which saw a slight increase and cocaine seizures that were

slightly lower.

IH-35 and US-83 remain active for illicit drug traffic. The Hebbronville areas of FM-1017 and SH-16

continue to see activity, especially at or near the checkpoints. Concealment methods for large

seizures continue to be in commercial motor vehicles.

The significant seizures this period were: $19,600.00 USD seized by DPS Trooper from the rear

cargo area of a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe at MM 110 on IH-35 on 22 FEB 2011; 7,049 lbs of marijuana

seized by CBP-OFO Officers from a tractor trailer at the World Trade Bridge on 24 FEB 2011;

$98,500.00 USD seized by DPS Trooper that was concealed in the sleeper cab of a 2001

Freightliner Century Tractor Trailer at MM 16 on IH-35 SB, on 25 FEB 2011.

Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment


Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment (cont)

Additionally, 9.48 lbs of cocaine concealed inside cans of refried beans was

seized by CBP-OFO Officers at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge. The

cocaine was being transported by a passenger in a Mexican taxi cab.

The increase in activity this period is directly related to single large seizures.

However, seizure totals are expected to remain somewhat level the next

reporting period with an expectation of more seizure incidents as predicted by

trend analysis done by CBP. The decrease or stagnant seizure rates could be

reflective of the numerous large seizures over the past few months by Mexican

Military and State Police in the Nuevo Laredo area.


K E N E D Y

S T A R R

H I D A L G OW I L L A C Y

C A M E R O N

B R O O K S

RIO GRANDE VALLEY UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR23 FEB – 1 MAR 2011


Raymondville PDRio Grande City PDRoma PD San Benito PD San Juan PDWeslaco PDUniv of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) PD

USBPCBP – OFOICE USCG Starr CO HIDTADPSTPWD TMF

Cameron CO SOHidalgo CO SOKenedy CO SOStarr CO SOWillacy CO SOBrownsville PD Harlingen PD Hidalgo PD

La Grulla PD La Joya PDMercedes PDMission PD Palmview PDPenitas PD Pharr PDPort Isabel PD




Rio Grande Valley SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 1

Bailouts 1

Criminal Arrests 61

Fugitive Arrests 9


Pursuits 2

Scouts/Decoys 0


IAs/Referrals 44

IAs/USBP 956

OTMs 495

OTM Countries India 5

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 119.97 lbs

Heroin 15.1 lbs


Currency $535,897

Other 0

Weapons

Handgun(s) 3

Long Gun(s) 1

Explosive(s) 0

Southbound

Weapons

Handgun(s) 1

Long Gun(s) 12

Explosive(s) 0


Stolen 0

Recovered 0


37,574.30

31,398.42

19,613.35

39,364.60

0.00

5,000.00

10,000.00

15,000.00

20,000.00

25,000.00

30,000.00

35,000.00

40,000.00

45,000.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

RGV UC Marijuana Seizures

66.13

63.3056.40

119.97

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

140.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

RGV UC Cocaine Seizures

883

525

711

956

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

RGV UC Illegal Aliens

Rio Grande Valley Sector


$1,052

$160,519

$547,004 $535,897

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

RGV UC Currency Seizures


Vallucos Norteno 14 Tri-City Bombers

Texas Syndicate Paisa Mexican Mafia

Loco Trece Po‘ Boys East Side Pharr

South Side Folk Latin Kings Texas Chicano Brotherhood

Bloods South Side Bandito

The Hidalgo Co Sheriff‘s Gang Intelligence Unit reported 52 gang member arrests during this reporting

period. These arrests were made by 12 different agencies in the RGV sector. The gang members were

arrested for offenses such as, parole violation, aggravated robbery, theft of property, no driver‘s license,

possession of marijuana, assault causing bodily injury, resisting arrest, burglary of building, burglary of

habitation, criminal trespassing, motion to adjudicate guilt, driving while intoxicated, failure to ID, accident

involving damage to vehicle, contempt of child support, writ of habeas corpus, failure to report to police,

failure to display driver license, unlawful carrying of a weapon, federal inmate, criminal mischief, engaging

in organized criminal activity, forgery by check, theft by check, unlawful use of vehicle, public intoxication

and possession of controlled substance. The arrestees have gang affiliation with:

Gang activity

Hidalgo Co SO conducted Operation Street Sweep across Hidalgo Co for a two

week period rounding up gang members wanted on an array of charges to include

attempted murder. Deputies particularly targeted members from the TRI CITY

BOMBERS and their rivals, the TEXAS CHICANO BROTHERHOOD. Other

gangs targeted included smaller ones such as the SOUTH SIDE BANDITOS and

the SOUTHSIDE FOLK, both based out of south Donna, TX. These gangs

typically engage in theft and street level drug dealing. In all, 30 tactical patrol

Deputies and four supervisors assigned to the project arrested 45 gang members

from various gangs. The operation will continue, with 326 other gang members

with arrest warrants still outstanding.


Gang activity (cont)

THP Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2006 Ford F250 with

Michigan license plates on US-281. A short pursuit ensued where the suspect

vehicle drove through a ranch fence and into a ranch. The pursuing officer was

not able to identify the driver of the vehicle before he absconded into the brush.

It was later determined that the vehicle had been stolen out of McAllen and was being used to

transport undocumented aliens. DPS Air 108 was summoned and they located ten individuals

hiding in the brush. One of the individuals from Mexico stated the he has lived illegally in the US

most of his life. He currently resides in Chicago, IL, and grew-up in California where he became a

member of the SURENO 13 gang. Four of the other occupants were from Mexico and the other five

occupants were from India. The subjects were all illegal and turned over to USBP.


USBP requested assistance from DPS Air 108

in locating and pushing back several DTO

suspects near Havana, TX. As the Aircrew

arrived at the location, they observed a jon

boat in the water with several suspects in the

boat and a vehicle with several subjects on the

Mexican side waiting for the boat. The subjects

then loaded the boat in the truck and drove in

to the interior of Mexico. No contraband was

found on the US side.


DTO members getting boat

out of the river.

DTO members with boat in

truck fleeing into Mexico.

THP Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2000 Chevrolet Suburban for

speeding near Mission, TX. The driver refused to stop and pursuit ensued. After a short

pursuit, the vehicle came to a stop and subjects were taken into custody. Troopers

inspected the vehicle and found 585 lbs of marijuana wrapped in 25 bundles hidden in the

back seat and cargo area.

While escorting a fleet of patrol boats down the Rio Grande River to Chimney Park

Marina, DPS Air 148 observed an aluminum jon boat suspected to be carrying DTO

personnel recovering scouts from the US shoreline west of Peñitas, TX. The Aircrew

coordinated a response with CBP Air and Marina Operations and USBP ground

units to assist in pushback.



• 2006 Honda Civic being driven by

a USC. The inspection revealed

26.23 lbs of cocaine concealed in

the dash area of the vehicle. The

driver was arrested and the vehicle

seized.

• 2002 Impala taxi being driven by a Mexican citizen. Inspection of the vehicle

revealed 11.72 lbs of cocaine concealed behind the back seat of the vehicle. The

driver was released and the vehicle seized.

CBP Officers from the Hidalgo POE inspected an inbound:



CBP Officers:


• From the Pharr POE inspected an inbound 1999 Lincoln Towncar being driven by

a USC. The inspection revealed 26.76 lbs of methamphetamine concealed in the

firewall of the vehicle. The driver was arrested and the vehicle seized.

• From the Hidalgo POE inspected an inbound 1991 Ford F-150 being driven by a

USC. The inspection revealed 10.36 lbs of methamphetamine concealed in the

man made compartment of the vehicle. The driver was arrested and the vehicle

seized.


CBP Officers :


• From the Brownsville B&M POE inspected an inbound 2001 Volkswagen Jetta

being driven by a USC. The inspection revealed 18.67 lbs of cocaine concealed in

the rocker panels of the vehicle. The driver was arrested and the vehicle seized.

• On 25 FEB 2011, from the Progresso POE

Cargo Area inspected an inbound 1995

International Tractor Trailer with refrigerated

trailer being driven by a Mexican Citizen. The

inspection revealed 3,194.5 lbs of marijuana

concealed in the cargo of limes. The vehicle was

seized.

Analyst Note: This is the third instance of

2,000+ lbs of marijuana being smuggled in tractor

truck semi trailer loads of limes through POEs

between 21 FEB and 25 FEB 2011.

21 FEB 2011 Load 22 FEB 2011 LoadCONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


CBP Officers:


• At the Hidalgo POE inspected an inbound 1999

Chevrolet Lumina Tamaulipas registered taxi cab

being driven by a USC. The inspection revealed

15.12 lbs of heroin concealed inside wooden

crates containing religious statues. The driver was

arrested.

• At the Pharr POE inspected an inbound

1999 Dodge Van, a Texas redistricted taxi

cab, being driven by a USC. The

inspection revealed 14.94 lbs of cocaine

concealed inside wooden crates

containing religious statues. The driver

was arrested.



CBP Officers from the Anzalduas POE inspected an inbound 2002 Dodge Avenger

being driven by a Mexican Citizen. The inspection revealed 48.54 lbs of cocaine

concealed inside the rocker panels of the vehicle. The driver was arrested and the

vehicle seized.

Cameron Co SO Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle. The driver

refused to stop and drove into a field where the driver absconded. The Deputy pursued

on foot and apprehended the driver. A total of 700 lbs of marijuana was found in the

vehicle.

USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 108, searched for a large group of

subjects near FM-755 near Falfurrias. Aircrew spotted the subjects hiding in

some thick brush and guided the Agents to their location. A total of 11

subjects were apprehended including four subjects of interest.



Starr Co SO Border Interdiction Deputies executed a search warrant on a two-story

residence in Roma. At the residence, Deputies found 275 lbs of marijuana in bundles

stored in a bedroom. Also found in the residence were several rolls of cellophane

wrap, vacuum packing equipment, packing tape, a press, and several photographs of

the residents. The house was vacant at the time and no arrests were made.



Mission Police Officers and ICE Agents received information that illegal

aliens were being housed at a residence in Mission and were seen

being loaded into two trucks, a blue F-150 and a white F-150 trucks.

Officers attempted to conduct traffic stops on the trucks but the drivers

refused to stop and led officers and agents on a pursuit. Eventually the

driver of the blue truck was stopped. The white truck continued until it drove into a heavily wooded

area and several subjects fled on foot. Officers managed to apprehend 14 undocumented aliens. At

the residence, Mission PD Officers, ICE Agents, and USBP Agents found 21 more undocumented

aliens. All the subjects were turned over to USBP.

La Joya PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on a blue Jeep in La Joya, TX. The driver

and two passenger fled from the vehicle. The Officers gave chase to the fleeing

subjects and apprehended the driver. The vehicle was found to contain 214.9 lbs of

marijuana in 10 bundles. The driver stated he had been assaulted in Reynosa, Mexico,

and forced to drive the vehicle containing the narcotics, which had two different IA

license plates. A search under the VIN came back registered out of Mission, TX.



found three subjects attempting to sneak out a back door. Investigators had received a tip that the house may

have been used by illegal immigrants smuggling guns to Mexican drug cartels. At the residence, authorities made

contact with a male subject and his mother-in-law, who gave consent to search the house. Inside, investigators

found a Glock 9 mm pistol hidden inside a compartment in a bedroom closet, and three .308-caliber rifles with

their serial numbers scratched off hidden behind a china cabinet in the dining room, the two subjects told

investigators they live in an apartment in McAllen, where two AR-15 style assault rifles were found between a

mattress and box spring inside of one of the bedrooms. Three subjects were arrested on federal charges of

illegally possessing firearms while being unlawfully in the United States.

• McAllen PD conducted searches at two McAllen residences and seized over 4,000

lbs of marijuana, At the first house, officers seized a .30-caliber rifle, two bulletproof

vests, ammo and a credit card bill that led investigators to a second house in

McAllen where more marijuana, guns and grenades were found. Throughout the

sweep, 11 subject were arrested. In another raid at a house in McAllen, Officers

• DPS CID Agents responded to a residence in San Juan, TX, where narcotics were suspected of being stored.

Upon arrival, Agents observed several bundles of marijuana in the bed of a pickup truck in the driveway. As a

result of a search of the residence, Agents seized 2,877 lbs of marijuana, $7,356.00 in currency, one

Springfield .45 handgun, and one Bryco .380 handgun. The residence was also found to have an underground

bunker accessible through a hole cut in the concrete garage floor. Agents arrested three subjects.

• DPS CID Agents conducted a search on a residence in McAllen where suspected DTO members were said

to reside. Agent received consent to search from a female resident. During the search, Agents recovered a

total of $51,067.00 in USD, and one Berretta Cheetah .380 handgun. The female subject was arrested for

Alien in Possession of Handgun and turned over to ATF.

During Operation Fallen Hero:



USBP Agents seized 16 lbs of marijuana hidden among 26

bundles of hay. Both items were similarly wrapped. The

bundles were found in wooden crates in the trailer of a

commercial truck.

lengthy wait, Trooper then entered the store to find the driver

and found that the driver had left the store through a rear exit.

Inspection of the vehicle revealed 345 lbs of marijuana in the

trunk of the vehicle.

The Trooper observed a suspicious vehicle and

followed it from the Starr Co line to La Joya, TX.

The vehicle pulled into an auto part store while the

Trooper watched from a distance. After a


A THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a:


• 1997 GMC pickup on US-281 near Encino, TX. A search of the vehicle revealed

$85,254 USD contained in eight bundles concealed in two different false

compartments.

• 2001 Dodge pickup on US-281 near Linn,

TX. A consensual search of the vehicle

revealed 22 lbs of marijuana concealed in

in the fuel tank. The driver was arrested.

• 2006 Mercury on US-83 near La Joya, TX. The vehicle refused to stop and lead

the Trooper on a pursuit. The pursuit was terminated in Palmview, TX, and the

driver was arrested without incident. Inspection of the vehicle revealed 555 lbs of

marijuana in the back seat and trunk.



On 22 FEB 2011, an Edinburg man, arrested while trying to take a small weapons cache into

Mexico, told authorities that before his arrest, he had successfully smuggled more than 50 firearms

for the Gulf Cartel. Lee Roy Perez, 23, was arrested at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge by

CBP officers and was later charged by ICE agents with one count of exporting firearms. Perez was

arrested after he drove a maroon 1999 Ford Taurus station wagon to an immigration booth and was

referred to a secondary inspection area. During a search of the vehicle, CBP officers discovered six

AK-47 assault rifles and six matching magazines and one .308-caliber assault rifle and its

accompanying magazine. Perez allegedly told the agents that for approximately seven months he

had been working for an organization that supplied weapons for the Gulf Cartel in Reynosa. He

stated that he expected to receive $300 for successfully smuggling the weapons. (not reflected in this

week’s stats, open source reporting)

On 23 FEB 2011, Leticia Pineda, 35, Lilia Camacho, 55, and Yeraldin

Jimenez Ruiz, 22, were arrested at the Hidalgo International Bridge by CBP

Officers and later charged by ICE Agents with one count of attempting to

smuggle cash and one count of conspiracy to smuggle cash,

$1,458,923 USD hidden inside cardboard boxes. The arrest took place when

the women arrived at the bridge on a commercial bus from Omnibus Express

that was headed for Mexico. CBP Officers discovered three cardboard boxes

with inflatable toys, as well as $551,121 in one of the boxes, $404,126 in

another and $500,676 in the third box. Pineda stated that she had been

recruited to transport an unknown amount of currency from Atlanta,GA, to

Mexico City and that she had received a $3,500 payment and expected

another installment of the same amount upon completion of the transport.

Another woman said she had been paid $1,000 and expected to receive a

total of $10,000 USD. (not reflected in this week’s stats, open source reporting)



Ground and Air Operation Elements seized 456 lbs inAbram, TX.

Ground and Air OperationElements seized 1,500 lbsnear Anzalduas Dam inAbram, TX

Ground Operation Elements seized 702 lbs in Roma, TX

OP

ERA

TIO

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EVEN

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In a joint operation, the Texas Department of Public Safety (Ranger Recon Team, SWAT, AVN,

CID, THP, and BSOC), USBP, ICE, CBP, Texas Parks and Wildlife Division, Texas Military

Forces, and other local law enforcement agencies, targeted rural areas being exploited by

drug traffickers and alien smugglers in the Rio Grande Valley area. The RGV JOIC provided

coordination efforts prior to, during and after the mission.


DTO Members picking up personnel


OP

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CUMULATIVE OPERATION TOTALS (not including “wet” marijuana)

Marijuana seized/recovered 6,905 lbs valued at $5,524,000 USD

Vehicles seized/recovered 8

Subjects arrested 9

Illegal aliens apprehended 62

VEHICLE RECOVERY TOTALS

Marijuanaseized/recovered

4,600 lbs valued at $3,680,000 USD (estimated wet)

Vehicles seized/recovered

4


The DPS Dive team extracted vehicles from the Rio

Grande, which smugglers had previously driven into

the river while fleeing from law enforcement, known as

a “splashdown”.


The RGV Unified Command agencies were responsible for the seizure of 39,364 lbs of marijuana. This is

a 50% increase from last week. The currency seizures in RGV UC were approximately the same this

week as last, $535,897 and $547,004 respectively. The US Border Patrol, Cameron Co SO, Mission PD

and San Juan PD contributed significantly to the marijuana seizures. DPS Aviation continued their

offensive strategy of recon flights and provided assistance to federal, state, and local LEAs. While

assisting a vehicle pursuit, DPS Aviation was able to maintain visual observation of a fleeing suspect that

resulted in a ―splashdown‖ at the river. Mexican military forces arrived at the scene on the Mexican side of

the river and apprehended the suspect driver.

In addition to an increase in marijuana seizures, RGV UC also saw an increase in cocaine seizures from

56.4 lbs last week to 119.97 lbs this week, heroin seizures from 7.6 lbs last week to 15.1 lbs this week,

and methamphetamine seizures from 0 lbs last week to 37.16 lbs this week. The majority of these

seizures were at the POEs.

The reduction in volume of seizures can potentially be attributed to the bi-national coordination between

the USBP and the Mexican Army, the addition of National Guard assets at static river locations, and

increased patrols by local LEAs and DPS Troopers at or near the international boundary. Mexican

soldiers and USBP agents, together, thwarted a narcotics smuggling venture at the river this reporting

period week.

Multiple RGV UC members participated in Operation Seven Pines in a coordinated effort to target rural

areas being exploited by drug traffickers and alien smugglers in the Rio Grande Valley area. Part of the

operation included a vehicle recovery element which successfully recovered 4 vehicles that have

splashed down recently in the Rio Grande.

Illegal Alien apprehensions are also up this reporting period from 711 last to 956. 291 IAs reported last

week were OTMs, while 495 this week were reported as OTMs, which means 41% of IAs last week were

OTMs and 52% this week.

RGV JOIC Sector Assessment


Ciudad Mier

San Fernando

Intelligence sources and open source reporting revealed an increase in Zeta activity in the area

from Ciudad Mier east to Reynosa and south to San Fernando, Tamaulipas, Mexico, a town about

70 miles south of the US / Mexico border. This buildup of the splinter cartel has drawn increased

vigilance by the Mexican authorities. There is an expectation of increased conflicts between rival

cartels and the Mexican military and federal forces due to the territorial battles.

RGV JOIC Sector Assessment (cont)


K L E B E R G

N U E C E S

J I MW E L L S

B E E

L I V EO A K

K A R N E S

G O L I A D

D e W I T T

L A V A C A

J A C K S O N

R E F U G I O

W H A R T O N

M A T A G O R D A

B R O O K S


COASTAL BEND UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR23 FEB – 1 MAR 2011


USBPCBP – OFO ICEFBI ATFDEAUSCGHouston HIDTASan Antonio HIDTATMFDPSAransas CO SOBee CO SOBrooks CO SODewitt CO SOGoliad CO SOJackson CO SOJim Wells CO SOKarnes CO SO

Kleberg CO SOLavaca CO SOMatagorda CO SO Live Oak CO SO McMullen CO SONueces CO SO Refugio CO SOSan Patricio CO SOVictoria CO SOWharton CO SOBay City PDCorpus Christi PDDriscoll PDEl Campo PDKingsville PDOrange Grove PDSeguin PDThree Rivers PDVictoria PD



Coastal Bend SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 32

Bailouts 5

Criminal Arrests 263

Fugitive Arrests 108


Pursuits 4

Scouts/Decoys 0


IAs/Referrals 28

IAs/USBP 0

OTMs 6

OTM Countries

Honduras 1

Ecuador 1

India 4

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 4.57 lbs

Heroin 0.00 lbs


Currency $206,536.00

Other40 Vicodin pills

1 Xanax pill

Weapons

Handgun(s) 2

Long Gun(s) 0

Explosive(s) 0


Stolen 9

Recovered 7


$7,157

$141,186

$183,287

$206,536

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Coastal Bend UC Currency Seizures

2,685.90

274.87

1,112.32

5,859.64

0.00

1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

7,000.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Marijuana Seizures

0.09

95.28

10.104.57

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Coastal Bend UC Cocaine Seizures

0 0 0 00

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Coastal Bend UC Illegal Aliens

Coastal Bend Sector


$7,157

$141,186

$183,287$206,536

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Coastal Bend UC Currency Seizures


Jim Wells Co SO arrested Jeff Humberto MOLINA (DOB

12/07/1988), a member of the RANCHO SAN PEDRO street

gang (California), for possession of a stolen firearm. R.S.P.

flies the flag colors of Black & Gold and the SUR 13 Blue flag.Stock Photo of RANCHO SAN

PEDRO Graffiti.

Alice Police Department arrested Ernest MORALES Jr (DOB 03/22/1982), a confirmed

LATIN KING street gang member for Marijuana Possession < 2 oz.

Additional informationKleberg Co SO seized marijuana and US

currency concealed inside chicken coop

boxes. The driver stated he was traveling to

West Point, MS, on US-77N in 1999

Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver was from La

Villa, Texas.

Kleberg Co SO and USBP seized 81.8 lbs of marijuana concealed in the four door

panels and the fuel tank of a 2003 Dodge pickup truck. The driver was from San

Juan, TX, as were the female passenger with two children. They were traveling

from San Juan to Houston on US-77N.

Gang Activity



Kleberg Co SO and USBP seized 37.4 lbs of marijuana concealed behind the seat of a

2002 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck. The male driver stated he was traveling to Houston

on US-77N.



Additional Information-

Cocaine wrapped around wheel

Additional Information-Victoria Co SO seized 4.5 lbs of cocaine concealed inside the

tire of 2000 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck. The male driver

stated he was traveling from Matamoras, Mexico, to Houston

on US-59N.

Santisima Muerta, and currency folded around a bead necklace



Additional information (cont)THP Brooks Co seized 1,263 lbs of marijuana concealed in a false compartment of a tractor trailer.

The driver was traveling from McAllen, TX, to Houston, TX, on US-281N.



Currency bundles concealed in dashboard

Additional information (cont)THP Kleberg Co seized $193,360 USD concealed in a natural void in the dashboard of a 2003

Volkswagen Beetle. The driver stated he was to be paid $3,000 USD for transporting the cash from

Houston to McAllen, TX, on US-77.



Additional InformationTHP Wharton seized 4,253.2 lbs of marijuana

concealed within the load of oranges being transported

in a utility trailer being towed by a 2000 Freightliner

truck. The driver was traveling from Weslaco, TX, to

Houston on US-59.




DPS 103 was called to assist elements in Jim Wells and Jackson

Co with brush fire operations. Several homes were saved due to

the quick response of firefighters who were guided by the air

crew to their locations.

Jim Wells Co brush fire

Jackson Co brush fire



Additional information (cont)Nixon PD seized $5,600 USD and a pistol with the serial numbers removed. The weapon and driver

were in a 2003 Cadillac Escalade. The driver stated that he was traveling to San Antonio to pay a

―coyote‖ $6,000 USD to retrieve family members that had been smuggled there illegally from Mexico.

Victoria Co SO located one subject who was a passenger in a 1999 Ford Expedition who

led officers on a foot pursuit after a traffic stop. The subject was arrested and found to be

in possession of $4,700 USD The subject was found to have a black watch cap

camouflaged in grass burrs and thorns, in addition to a compass. The subject was found

to be an illegal immigrant and out on bond for deportation hearing. Victoria Co SO

investigation indicates that the subject is associated with IA smuggling. The subject was

traveling from Houston to Rio Grande City, TX, along US-59S when arrested. VCSO was

assisted at the scene by THP Victoria.

Brooks Co SO seized 88 lbs of marijuana from an Oldsmobile Intrigue traveling

northbound on US-77N. The vehicle was apprehended by Brooks Co SO after a short

pursuit.



• Jim Wells Co seized 23 lbs of

marijuana concealed in the rear

left door panel of a 2002 Dodge

Stratus traveling north on US-

281 from Donna, TX, to Iowa.

THP:

• Brooks Co seized 9 lbs of marijuana concealed

inside a 1999 Toyota Camry. The driver was

traveling from Edinburg, TX, to Victoria, TX on US-

281N. Also found in the vehicle were religious

figurines including Santisima Muerte.

• Victoria Co seized 25 lbs of marijuana concealed in two false

compartments inside a 1996 Ford F-150 pickup truck. The

driver was traveling from Rio Grande City, TX, to Pasadena,

TX, on US-59N.

• Victoria Co seized 241 grams of marijuana packaged for sale concealed under

the back seat of a 2011 Nissan Maxima. The Driver was traveling from

Bloomington, TX, (Victoria Co) to Kingsville, TX, on US-77S.



THP – Wharton Co seized 113 lbs of marijuana concealed in the

external fuel tank/tool box combination. The driver was traveling

from Mission, TX, to Louisiana on US-59N.




Oso Bay in search of abandoned and

possible stolen vehicles and

equipment. The area is known for

being a common location for stolen

property. Several abandon vehicles

were located.

Dewitt, Karnes and

Victoria Co SOs, with

assistance from DPS

AVN 103 identified a

cock fighting location.

DPS AVN provided

aerial support as

Deputies dismantled the

criminal elements.

DPS CID – AVN

supported Corpus Christi

Agents in the vicinity of


Coastal Bend JOIC’s Sector Assessment

Marijuana seizures increased in the Coastal Bend Sector for a second week in a row, from 1,126.32

lbs last reporting period to 5,859.64 pounds this period. Cocaine seizures decreased from 10.10

lbs to 4.57 lbs. US currency seizures increased from $98,066 USD to $206,536 USD. There was

one large currency seizure by THP in Kleberg Co on US-77S of $193,360 USD. Cash seizures

have continued to rise over the last four weeks. IA referrals, absconds, bailouts, stolen and

recovered vehicles have increased this reporting period. In fact, IA referrals have doubled this

reporting period as have stolen vehicle recoveries.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

January February March April May June July August September October November December

2009

2010

2011

Marijuana Seizures in Coastal Bend Sector – April 2009 through Present

The 5,859 lbs seized this reporting period is the second largest seizure amount for a given week

from April 2009 to present. During the week of 24 JUL 2009, 6,039 lbs was seized in the Coastal

Bend Unified Command. In analyzing the seizure stats from 2009 and 2010, there is a huge spike

in July/August timeframe, corresponding with the summer cannabis harvest.


Coastal Bend JOIC’s Sector Assessment (cont)

Two large truck/trailer seizures of marijuana by THP Wharton Co for 4,253 lbs on US-59N and one

THP Brooks Co seizure for 1,263.01 lbs on US-281N. Recent frequency of truck tractor semi trailer

seizures could be an indication of potential increase to push large loads of marijuana with

truck/trailer combinations along US-77, US-281, and US-59 northbound to the Houston area.

Overall, marijuana smuggling continues to travel along US-77N, US-281N, and US-59N from the

valley area to Houston and has continued to increase over the last several weeks. Cash smuggling

continues along US-77S and US-59S and has increased as well.

A review of the Sarita and Falfurrias checkpoint reports revealed that between 23 FEB and 28 FEB

2011 there were 7,877.98 lbs of marijuana and no cocaine seized at the Falfurrias checkpoint (US-

281N). Four truck/trailer combinations were seized attempting to conceal large loads of marijuana.

Three of the four truck/trailer combinations contained the following: 1,215.85 lbs, 4,708 lbs, and

1,263.05 lbs. One truck/trailer load was 186.6 lbs. In addition, there were two small marijuana

seizures from northbound commercial buses.

At the Sarita checkpoint on US-77N there were 1,244 lbs of marijuana and no cocaine reported as

seized. Two of the marijuana seizures were from northbound commercial buses.

This reporting period showed a 218% increase in marijuana seizures at the Falfurrias Checkpoint

and 332% increase at Sarita Checkpoint. This is the second week that there were no cocaine

seizures reported.


Statewide CorridorSeizures

THP [ Carson Co.] –• 11.2 lbs of cocaine – false floor compartment; Riverside, CA to Oklahoma City, OK.• 30 lbs of marijuana – trunk; Fresno, CA to Washington, DC.• $196,990 USD – Bed of truck; New York to Phoenix, AR. • 16 lbs of marijuana – trunk; Los Vegas, NV to Oklahoma.


THP [Chambers Co.] –• 510 grams of cocaine & 3 grams of marijuana – passenger seat and natural void in trunk; Houston, TX to Gulf Port, MS.

THP [Liberty Co.] –• $25,305 USD – under the center console; Houston, TX to Natchitoches, TX.

CID [Lubbock Co.] –• 200.3 grams of cocaine -residence; Lubbock,TX.

THP& CID [KaufmanCo.] –• $80,000 USD – seized bank acct; Kaufman, TX. • 166 grams of methamphetamine; backpack in vehicle; Dallas, TX to Lindale, TX.

CID [Dallas Co.] –• 40 kilograms of cocaine, 2 handguns, 1 rifle, ammunition and $24,770 USD – residence; Dallas, TX.

THP [Atascosa Co.] –• 160 lbs of marijuana – gas tank and air compressor; Edinburg, TX to San Antonio, TX.

THP [McLennan Co.] –• 28 kilograms of cocaine – gas tank; Acuna, MX to Dallas, TX.


24 FEB 2011: THP Greenville

conducted a traffic stop on JAN 27,

2011 that resulted in the seizure of 34

kilograms of cocaine. Once it was determined that the cocaine was destined for

Dallas, CID Garland, Dallas Co SO and North

Texas HIDTA executed a search warrant at a

residence in Dallas. As a result, Agents seized two

handguns, one SKS rifle, ammunition, $24,770

USD and an additional 40 kilograms of cocaine.

26 FEB 2011: THP Liberty, with the

assistance of Liberty Co SO conducted

a traffic stop on a 2009 Ford truck

pulling a U-Haul trailer. A consent to

search revealed 204 lbs of marijuana

hidden in bags within the trailer. Two

subjects were arrested. The marijuana

originated in Sugarland, TX, and was

destined for Raleigh, NC.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/US_59.svg


On 9 FEB 2011, Alabama State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Freightliner truck

tractor semi-trailer, both with TX registration, dba VGM EXPRESS from Edinburg, TX,

Eastbound on IH-10 in Mobile, AL. The occupants of the tractor, the driver, Robert RIVERA, a

resident of La Villa, TX and the passenger, the registered owner of the tractor, Sammy

GARCIA-SOLIS, a resident of Edinburg, TX, stated they were en route to Tampa, FL, from

Edinburg, TX, with a cargo of vegetables. A consensual search of the tractor and trailer

revealed 272.8 pounds of cocaine, inside one pallet of vegetables. Further investigation by

Alabama State Troopers resulted in the additional arrests of two subjects and the additional

seizure of two vehicles in Florida.

Passenger/OwnerDriver



2 MAR 2011: THP Jourdanton

conducted a traffic stop on a

2005 Chevrolet Van on IH-37.

A consent to search revealed a

total of 160 lbs of marijuana.

25 bundles were located in the

gas tank and an additional 40

bundles were found in an air

compressor tank. One subject

was arrested. The marijuana

originated in Edinburg, TX and

was destined for San

Antonio, TX.The same individual had been stopped

previously in Victoria Co on 7 DEC 2010

Analyst Note: Similar concealment

methods within air compressor

and/or propane-type tanks have

been seen on 18 AUG 2010

(pictured) in Waxahachie, TX, and

within the 28 JAN 2011 BOSA in

Presidio Co.

THP Victoria Co seized 197.8 lbs of marijuana concealed

in a false compartment made to look like stacks of

plywood being transported in a 2004 Chevrolet van. The

driver was from Edinburg and traveling from Pharr to

Houston on US-59N.


On 23 FEB 2011, at 1317, a Gulfport, MS, Police Officer stopped a 2001 Toyota

Sequoia with TX registration on IH-10 in Gulfport for a traffic violation. The driver and

registered owner, William Ernesto DIAZ-MENA, a citizen of El Salvador (legal

permanent resident) residing in Houston, TX, stated he was en route to Mobile, AL,

from Houston. A narcotics detector K-9 alert and consensual search of the Toyota

revealed a total of 38 lbs of cocaine concealed inside false compartments built into the

left and right frame rails. DIAZ-MENA was arrested; the cocaine and vehicle seized.

Inside the frame rail compartment



20 FEB 2011: THP Baytown conducted a traffic

stop on a 2010 Ford Escape and arrested one

suspect. A consent to search revealed 17

bundles of marijuana (totaling 31 lbs) concealed

in the gas tank. The vehicle was traveling from

Houston to Ashboro, NC.



SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICOSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICO



GUADALUPE – On 25 FEB 2011, Mexican soldiers found the bodies of three relatives of human

rights activist Josefina Reyes, who was slain a year ago in Cd. Juárez. According to the

spokesman for the state prosecutor's office, the bodies were those of two brothers of Reyes and

her sister-in-law. The bodies appeared to have been buried then dug up and placed at the side of

the Juarez-Porvenir Highway, one kilometer from Guadalupe D.B. It was also reported that all three

had been tortured and then shot to death, possibly on different days. The three had been missing

since 7 FEB 2011, when witnesses reported that assailants forced them from a car in the pueblo of

Guadalupe in the Juarez Valley near Cd. Juarez, across from El Paso, TX. The bodies were found

with messages stating the three had been ―Halcones y Dedos‖ (―Look-outs‖ and ―Fingers‖) for the

mafia. The Reyes-Salazar family conducted a hunger strike in Cd. Juárez, later traveled to

Chihuahua to meet with the governor, and were promised support by the state to locate the missing

family members and find those responsible for the crimes committed.

Chihuahua state investigators and forensic teams at the scene

Significant Events in Mexico (cont)


CD. JUÁREZ – On 23 FEB 2011, three girls, ages 12,

14, and 16 were shot and killed outside a residence

during the early evening. Two of the girls died instantly

and the third died at the Red Cross clinic. The

homicides occurred at Pavorreal and Novena in colonia

Granjas Chapultepec.


CD. JUÁREZ – On 24 FEB

2011, three young men were

shot and killed and two teenage

girls were wounded when their

mini-van was attacked by

gunmen at Arizona and Colina

streets in colonia Infonavit San

Lorenzo. Dozens of shots were

fired into their vehicle. An AK-

47 was found on the floor board

of their vehicle.

CD. JUÁREZ – On 26 FEB

2011, a municipal police

woman was forcibly taken

from her home after the

house was set on fire with

Molotov cocktails. Her

semi-nude body was found

at the intersection of

Soledad and Oaxaca

streets in colonia Morelos,

where she had been shot

and killed after being forced

from the vehicle.



CD. JUÁREZ - On 28 FEB 2011, a shooting in Cd.

Juarez, Mexico, left four people dead and injured two

others. The two children who survived the attack

were five and 16 years old. A motorist took the

adolescent and the child to the "IMSS" Mexican

Social Security Institute, where shortly afterwards it

was reported that a group of gunmen stormed the

emergency ward looking to kill the survivors. A

witness reported that the men left after they were

unable to find the survivors. A total of 42 spent 7.62

x 39mm casings were found at the scene.

CD. JUAREZ – On 01 MAR 2011, a twenty-five

year old man, believed to be a state police

investigator, was shot and gravely wounded

near the intersection of Oaxaca and Tixtla

streets in colonia Galeana. He was wounded

while driving his car. The man died on the way to

the hospital. Family members exchanged words

with Federal Police at the scene and blamed

them for the death of the man because they

would not allow paramedics entry into the scene.


The number of DTO related-homicides in Ciudad

Juárez and surrounding communities continues

to increase. There have been 46 DTO-related

homicides during this reporting period bringing

the total to 229 for the month of February and

449 for the year. There have been 3 killed in

March.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

1607

26583111

449

DTO Related Deaths Juarez MX 2008 to Date

2008 2009 2010 2011


MAZATLAN – On 28 FEB 2011, La Prensa reported Authorities in the

western state of Sinaloa found five bodies hanging from two

separate bridges in the Pacific resort city of Mazatlan, Sinaloa.

Those bridges from which the bodies were found hanging were

identified as: El Venadillo Bridge which is located near the junction

with the Maxipista Highway in the northern sector of the city and the

Urías Bridge which is located in the southern sector of Mazatlán,

Sinaloa a few meters from a Municipal Public Security office. Police

reported that all of the victims were kidnapped days prior from

separate locations within Mazatlán. It was also reported that narco

messages and mounds of tortillas were left with all of the murder

victims.



GUERRERO – On 28 FEB 2011, armed men attacked Guerrero

Northern Zone police chief Humberto Velazquez Delgado in

Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero. The police chief and his

bodyguards were attacked by gunmen armed with AK-47

assault rifles on the Chilpancingo-Cuernavaca federal highway,

state police director Fernando Monreal said, ―The assailants

were waiting for them and ambushed them.‖ Velazquez‘s four

bodyguards were killed on the scene. Velazquez was taken to a

private hospital for treatment of his wounds. Investigators found

at least 400 bullet casings from AK-47s at the crime scene. The

motive for the attack has not been determined.

NUEVO LAREDO – Four bodies with their heads cut off and

human fingers inserted in the victims‘ mouths were found

displayed in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Beheadings have

become a trademark of the violent Mexico drug cartel wars

but rarely are victims so openly displayed, let alone displayed

on monuments. This time the four male bodies were nude

and left on the sidewalk on top of a ‗narco manta‘ or narco

message banner. The severed heads were left on one of the

city‘s memorials – the Christopher Columbus Monument -

dedicated to Mexico‘s Independence and located on one of

the busiest thoroughfares.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XMOYGd3hBpE/TW3KLXGbXUI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/JeWFpZAYMGM/s1600/Policemen_Murdered.jpg


MAZATLAN – On 01 MAR 2011, two men were shot by gunmen outside

a hotel in the Pacific resort of Mazatlan in front of several foreign

tourists from British Columbia. Witnesses stated that a car chased two

men in a pickup truck right up to the front of the hotel when one of the

men in the truck tried to run into the resort to get away from his

pursuers. The gunman emptied his weapon, firing at the man in the

truck, then reloaded and emptied it again into the second man.

GARCIA – On 25 FEB 2011, gunmen attacked the mayor of Garcia Jaime

Rodriguez Calderon outside of Monterrey, but were repelled by soldiers

escorting his armored car. Three of the five gunmen were killed and the other

two were wounded. One of the attackers was a former municipal police officer

who was fired last July. Police also reported that this attack attack may have

been ordered by Olga Ruiz, aka La Comandanta, Juan González, aka Sierrita,

and Francisco Díaz, aka Chipiturco. Both these individuals serve as Los Zetas

leaders in the area.


COAHUILA – On 02 MAR 2011, a police convoy that included Carlos

Bibiano Villa Castillo, the Commander of the Torreon Police, was attacked by

gunmen traveling in five SUVs along the highway that leads to Mieleras near

Torreon, Coahuila. The two cars traveling in the police convoy quickly

repelled this attack, and the suspects fled the scene near the Takata

Company. Following this incident, it was reported that two officers were

wounded and Villa Castillo was not injured.



MONTERREY - In the early morning hours of 01 MAR 2011,

gunmen implemented narco blockades throughout the

Monterrey metro area with large trucks and busses. The

drivers of these vehicles were forced to stop and surrender

their vehicles. Those areas in which these blockades were

implemented were reported as follows:

• Intersection of Ruiz Cortines and Churubusco Avenues

• Intersection of Miguel Alemán and Acapulco Avenues

• Intersection of Miguel Alemán and Isidoro Sepúlveda Avenues

• Intersection of Juárez and Santa Cruz Avenues (Guadalupe)

• Intersection of Juárez and Xochimilco Avenues (Guadalupe)

All of the blockades were in place for approximately 15-20

minutes before they were cleared.

SAN LUIS POTOSÍ - On 28 FEB 2011, a joint operation

carried out by Mexican police and soldiers led to the arrest

of Luis Miguel Rojo Ocejo aka El Oso Rojo, 27, in San Luis

Potosí. Following his arrest, this individual was identified

as the alleged financial head of Los Zetas in the State.

Roio Ocejo is also said to maintain close ties with Jesús

Enrique Rejón Aguilar, aka El Mamito, one of the key

leaders within Los Zetas and Sergio Mora aka El Toto, the

Los Zetas Plaza Leader in San Luis Potosí.―El Toto‖


Significant Events In Mexico (cont)

Eight alleged gunmen are dead and one marine was wounded following a fierce night of combat

south of the border in Valle Hermoso. The Mexican Navy reports that an anonymous tip led marines

to a location where a group of armed men were waiting inside several trucks and SUVs. The

gunmen opened fire on marines prompting a firefight where the suspects fled into the brush. After

the battle, authorities found the bodies of eight alleged gunmen. Marines reported seizing five

vehicles, guns, and ammunition at the scene. Authorities reported that one marine was injured by

gunfire but his condition remains unknown. Neither the names of the gunmen killed nor the

wounded marine were released, but the case remains under investigation by Mexican federal

authorities.


Significant Events In Mexico (cont)

REYNOSA - As reported in a previous BOSA, Ricardo

Bugarin Garcia of Pharr, TX, who was a Black &

Decker plant manager in Reynosa, was found dead in

Colonia Francisco Villa. The body was found wrapped

in black plastic trash bags and a nylon cord tied around

his neck. The victim had been reported missing since

30 DEC 2010. This week, The Tamaulipas Attorney

General‘s office announced the arrests of two men in

connection with the murder of the maquiladora manager from Pharr. The arrest took place after

investigators were able to track down the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix belonging to Bugarin Garcia in

Reynosa. When authorities questioned the driver, he said he had purchased the vehicle from the

other suspect. During questioning, the suspect implicated the other as the actual murderer, adding

that he only helped dispose of the body.

GUATEMALA - On 28 FEB 2011,

authorities investigating a recent

attack carried out on a police patrol

car were attacked by 12 gunmen

near El Mirador Ranch, which is

located in the Gualán sector of

Zacapa. The attack was

successfully repelled. Nine

individuals managed to escape

and three were arrested.

Guatemalan Authorities linked the

gunmen to Los Zetas.


UPDATES & ASSESSMENT

OPERATION BORDER STAR


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Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Marijuana (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

53,318.8449,932.89

33,995.22

59,987.79

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11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View

Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average

OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)

Marijuana seizures increased from 33,995.22 lbs last

week to 59,987.79 lbs this week. For the last four

consecutive weeks, the marijuana seizures have been

above the 2010 weekly average of 33,354.21 lbs. The

first nine weeks of 2010 saw a marijuana seizure total of

373,668.34 lbs, while the first nine weeks of 2011 has

seen a 369,610.12 lbs. The RGV Sector and Coastal

Bend Sectors have had 2,000+ lbs loads co-mingled with

citrus fruits (oranges and limes). The El Paso Sector

continues to see marijuana loads concealed in hidden

floorboard compartments. The total estimated street

value for reported marijuana seizures during this

reporting period is $52.8 million.

On 24 FEB 2011, CBP-

OFO at the Bridge of

the Americas POE

seized 214.60 lbs of

marijuana that was

concealed within the

floor of a 2002 Ford

Explorer.

On 29 FEB 2011, CBP-

OFO Officers at the

Santa Teresa POE

seized 545.42 lbs of

marijuana that was

concealed in the

floorboard of a 2000

GMC Yukon.



Large Marijuana Loads Concealed in Citrus on Freightliners:

From 21 – 27 FEB 2011, four large loads of marijuana were

recovered from Mexican freightliners. Three of the seizures

were found to be intermingled within lime cargo and one was

discovered within an orange shipment. The four seizures

totaled over 14,200 lbs of confiscated marijuana. Limes are

generally harvested in North America from February to June,

while grapefruit and oranges are year-round.

3,194.5 lbs of marijuana

Progresso POE – 25 FEB 2011


Pharr POE – 21 FEB 2011


Pharr POE – 22 FEB 20114,253.2 lbs of marijuana

THP Wharton – 27 FEB 2011

In August 2009, a narco grave was discovered in a village known as Flor de Azar in Patzcuaro,

Michoacan, where the victim was wrapped in plastic, sheets, a blanket and covered in several

sacks of limes. Mexican officials believed the limes were utilized to minimize odors. Likely the DTOs

believe that the citrus fruits are masking the odor of the marijuana being smuggled. The outer peel

of limes and most citrus fruits contain glands which exude the essential oils which produce the

typical citrus odor. The storage duration of citrus fruits is 4-8 weeks. The segregation of limes

should be with fiber rope, thin fiber nets or wooden dunnage.


0200400600800

1,0001,2001,4001,6001,8002,000

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Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Cocaine (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

168.61

237.08

101.58

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Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View



Cocaine seizures increased two-fold to 229.50 lbs from last week‘s total of 101.58 lbs. Over the last four

weeks the cocaine seizures have been significantly lower than the 2010 weekly average of 328.13 lbs.

The largest cocaine seizure was at the Eagle Pass POE Bridge #1 with 60.54 lbs of cocaine concealed in

the gas tank (Del Rio Sector). Other notable seizures all occurred in the RGV Sector, which accounted for

119.97 lbs or 52% of total reported border cocaine seizures, were: 48.54 lbs in the vehicle rocker panels

at the Anzalduas POE, 26.23 lbs in a dashboard at the Hidalgo POE, 18.67 lbs in vehicle rocker panels at

the Brownsville B&M Bridge, 11.72 lbs behind the backseat of a Mexican taxi at the Hidalgo POE. The

total estimated street value for reported cocaine seizures totaled $7.6 million.

Heroin and methamphetamine seizures reported this week totaled 18.33 lbs and 37.17 lbs,

respectively. Two large methamphetamine seizures in the RGV Sector by CBP officers at the Pharr POE

and Hidalgo POE, who seized 26.76 lbs concealed in the firewall of a vehicle and 10.36 lbs in an after-

market compartment on the vehicle. Year to Date, RGV Sector and Laredo Sector average 9-10 lbs of

methamphetamine seized within their Unified Commands and account for 88% of reported

methamphetamine seized through the border sectors. The total estimated street value for reported heroin

seizures totaled $1.5 million and methamphetamine seizures totaled $1.5 million.


14.94 lbs

Cocaine

Pharr POE

Large seizures concealed within crates containing religious statues in taxi cabs:


15.12 lbs

Heroin

Hidalgo POE

On the 26 FEB 2011, two separate seizures, one cocaine and one heroin, were made at two different POEs by

CBP with the same type of concealment. In both instances, the drugs were concealed within the structure of the

wooden crates containing religious statues. The vehicles involved in both occurrences were driven by USCs,

although one was a car and the other a van, but both were taxi cabs. The two seizures resulted in over

13.5 kilograms of seized cocaine.

25 FEB 2011 BOSA4 MAR 2011 BOSA

For the second week in a row, there has been a repeated

concealment and transport method. Last week, 7.58 lbs of heroin

concealed in four refried bean cans were seized from a

passenger‘s luggage in a Mexican taxi cab at the Hidalgo POE

(RGV Sector). This week, 9.48 lbs of cocaine was found

concealed inside cans of refried beans in a Mexican taxi cab at

the Gateway to the Americas Bridge. Both were concealed in

cans of Mahler Refried Black Beans.


9,639.00

333,966.00

736,739.65

902,484.00

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11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11

Currency Seizures ($) Short-Term View


$0

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Currency Seizures ($) Long-Term View

Currency Seizures (USD) Long-Term Trendline


Bulk currency seizures increased from $736,740 USD last week to $902,484 USD this week.

Currency seizures have increased dramatically over the last four weeks with an $892,845 USD

surge since 11 FEB 2011. This is the first week in 2011 that the bulk currency seizure has exceeded

the 2010 weekly average of $803,903 USD. The last seizure reported over the 2010 weekly

average was the week of 3 DEC 2010. Almost every sector reported an increase in currency

seizures with the exception of RGV who reported a 3% decrease from $547,004 USD seized last

week to $535,897 USD this week.

The street value of all contraband seized this week represents a loss to Mexican DTOs and

the criminal networks that support them of approximately $64.3 million.

Illegal alien apprehensions have increased for a fourth straight week to 2,494. Reported OTM

apprehensions account for 28% of the overall IA apprehensions. Multiple sectors continue to see

Central American nationals from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally,

YTD, Indian nationals have been apprehended in nearly every sector.



DPS discourages Spring Break

travel to MexicoReminds boaters of dangers on Falcon Lake

The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Spring Breakers to avoid traveling to Mexico because of

continued violence—and reminding boaters to stay on the U.S. side of Falcon Lake. Falcon Lake has been the

scene of several robberies and a U.S. citizen‘s murder, and DPS is again warning boaters to steer clear of the

Mexican side of the lake. Cartel activity remains high in that area. ―While drug cartel violence is most severe in

northern Mexico, it is prominent in other parts of the country as well,‖ said DPS Director Steven C. McCraw.

―Various crime problems also exist in many popular resort areas, such as Acapulco and Cancun, and crimes

against U.S citizens often go unpunished.‖ So far this year, an ICE agent was killed and another injured in a

suspected ambush near San Luis Potosi February 15. Two El Paso teens were gunned down February 5 in

Ciudad Juarez. In January, a Texas missionary was shot in the head when she and her husband ran an illegal

road block in Nuevo Leon. In addition to U.S citizens killed so far this year, preliminary figures show as many as

65 Americans were killed in Mexico in 2010. Kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery and carjacking also are threats

in parts of Mexico. Suspects have not been prosecuted in many of the cases. Meanwhile, more than 30,000

Mexican citizens have died in drug-related violence since 2006, and the violence shows no signs of abating.

―Drug violence has not discriminated-innocent bystanders and people who may have been in the wrong place at

March 1, 2011

the violence in Mexico would be a mistake for parents

and students,‖ said McCraw. ―Our safety message is

simple: avoid traveling to Mexico during Spring Break and

stay alive.‖ DPS acknowledges that many travel to

Mexico without incident, but the risks cannot be ignored.

Travelers are encouraged to carefully research any

planned trips. Travelers should always check the U.S.

State Department website for the most up-to-date

information related to security issues in Mexico.

the wrong time are among the casualties. Underestimating


BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTERTEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

[email protected] Duty Phone: 512-424-7351; 7034

Fax: 512-424-7041

If any comments or questions arise from this product, please contact:

If you would like to receive a weekly copy of this dissemination, please contact the BSOC at [email protected]

Note: Due the product size, the photographs have been set to the lowest resolution to enable distribution of the product. If you need higher resolution photos, please contact the BSOC.

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