134671_110325 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 • Since the end of JAN 2011, there have been eight marijuana seizures observed in the RGV and

Coastal Bend Sectors co-mingled with produce including five involving limes in truck tractor semi-

trailer loads.

• Since DEC 2010, there have been four incidences of narcotics concealed in drive shafts in

Victoria Co and at the Lincoln Juárez Bridge in Laredo, TX, most often utilizing Ford F-150s.

• At the Del Rio POE, a CBP-OFO Officer seized three pistols and five magazines located in the

trunk in between the back seat and an unconnected speaker system, and two in plain sight on

the back seat in a Red 2007 Dodge Caliber. The driver was previously stopped with $17,000

USD in JAN 2011.

• Since mid-DEC 2010, a trend of contraband smuggled in liquid form continues. There have been

eight seizures involving liquid cocaine, methamphetamine, and Phencyclidine (PCP) in various

beer containers.

• On 21 MAR 2011, Police Commander Jose Luis del Bosque Contreras, assigned to the

counternarcotics unit of the Chihuahua state Attorney General’s Office, was killed in front of his

home in Cd. Chihuahua, Chihuahua.

• On 22 MAR 2011, Ministerial Federal Police captured José Natividad Cortes Balcazar aka “El

Teacher,” leader of La Familia Michoacana in Leon, Guanajuato.

• On 20 MAR 2011, Arturo Jose Iniguez, a 26-year-old Cameron Co assistant prosecutor, was

found dead in Matamoros, MX, across the border from Brownsville, TX. The investigation of his

death is ongoing.


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. 05-17

Marfa Sector

p. 18-27

Del Rio Sector

p. 28-40

Laredo Sector

p. 41-51Rio Grande

Valley Sector

p. 52-82

Coastal Bend

Sector

p. 83-93

Statewide Corridor Seizures

p. 94-99

Overall Assessment

p. 108-113

Sig. Mexico Events

p. 100-107

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

Operation BORDER STAR 16 – 22 MAR 2011


EL PASO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR16 – 22 MAR 2011

EL P

AS

O

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 125

Fugitive Arrests 54

Gang Related Criminal Arrests 8

Pursuits 3

Scouts/Decoys 0

Illegal Alien Apprehensions

IAs/Referrals 0

IAs/USBP 351

OTMs 12

OTM Countries

Argentina 2

Guatemala 2

El Salvador 3

Honduras 2

India 3

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 2,876.92 lbs

Cocaine 98.83 lbs

Heroin 0.001 lbs

Methamphetamine 1.1 lbs

Currency $0.00

Other

Clonazepam, 23 pills

Ecstasy, 25 pills

Hydrocodone, 6 pills

Psilocybin, 0.067 lbs

Alprazolam, 5 pills

Unknown, 54 pills

Weapons

Handgun(s) 2

Long Gun(s) 0

Explosive(s) 0

Vehicles Stolen / Recovered

Stolen 10

Recovered 9


El Paso Sector

The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$2,866

$10,121

$23,680

$0$0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

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

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Currency Seizures

3,824.14

2,789.38

3,839.59

2,876.92

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

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

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Marijuana Seizures

5.31

24.51

42.14

98.83

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

El Paso UC Cocaine Seizures

311

340

297

351

270

280

290

300

310

320

330

340

350

360

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

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

El Paso UC Illegal Aliens


Gang activity

Crip Barrio Azteca Barrio Machuca Locos

Vatos Locos The Brown Dogs Mad Bomber Krew

Skunx Varrio North East Segundo Barrio

Folk Del Rio Grande Cedar Grove

Twelve gang-related incidents were reported during this period involving fifteen arrests of members from

twelve different gangs. There were eight criminal and seven fugitive arrests. The incidents involved:

Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Terroristic Threats, Burglary of Vehicle,

and Theft.

Thehoodup.com is a gang

member social website

where gang members

discuss expanding their

sets in new areas and

recruitment. Some are

blunt and not concerned

about what they discuss on

the internet.

As reported last week, it appears that Barrio Azteca members

are attempting to hide their BA identifiers in their tattoos and

drawings, and may be incorporating new tribal design styles.

This drawing was confiscated from a confirmed Barrio Azteca

gang member by the Gang Intelligence Unit at the Otero

County Prison. The typical “ba” and the “2 and 1” are seen.


Additional information (cont)

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

138.34 lbs of marijuana

2001 Dodge Ram 2500

Concealed: Fuel Tank

15 MAR 2011


1999 Chevrolet Tahoe

Concealed: Metal Containers

17 MAR 2011


1990 Jeep Cherokee

Concealed: Non-factory

compartment above

the radiator

18 MAR 2011


43.5 pounds marijuana


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

5.1 lbs of cocaine

1990 Chevrolet Astro van

Concealed: Rear door

17 MAR 2011



CBP-OFO Officers at the Columbus, NM, POE seized:

16 MAR 2011


2000 GMC Yukon

Concealed: Quarter Panels

and center console

CBP-OFO Officers at the Santa Teresa, NM, POE seized:

16 MAR 2011


2008 Volkswagen

Concealed: Rocker panels and

front bumper




CBP-OFO Officers at Bridge of Americas POE seized:


1996 Nissan Sentra

Concealed: Spare tire

17 MAR 2011


1999 Pontiac Grand AM

Concealed: Fuel tank

17 MAR 2011

18 MAR 2011


1999 Ford Aspire

Concealed: Front Bumper



43.5 pounds marijuana


CBP-OFO Officers at the Ysleta POE seized:

17 MAR 2011


2001 Jeep Cherokee

Concealed: Firewall

18 MAR 2011


1999 Ford Crown Victoria

Concealed: Fuel tank

Southbound operations

Southbound operations are currently being conducted by officers with the EPPD, USBP and CBP

at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA), Paso Del Norte (PDN) and Stanton Street POE’s. One

stolen vehicle was recovered, and one suspect was arrested on criminal warrants as of this

reporting period. Further information on additional arrests or recoveries will be detailed in next

week’s BOSA.


• On 14 MAR 2011, recovered nine (9) stolen vehicles from Mexico. The property

value of the recovered vehicles was approximately $139,200 USD.

• On 17 MAR 2011, assisted USBP in the identification of seized vehicles. During

this process, CID Agents identified a “cloned vehicle” that had been seized with

illegal contraband. The vehicle was identified through secondary means and

verified as stolen. The vehicle, a 1997 Dodge Ram pickup, was reported stolen to

the Phoenix, AZ, Police Department on 25 SEP 2007.

Bullet Holes


El Paso DPS CID Agents:


The El Paso Sector experienced an increase in seizures of marijuana, meth, heroin, currency, and

cocaine seizures during this reporting period. There was a decrease in stolen vehicles (11) and the

recovery of stolen vehicles (7). Of the total 2,876 lbs of marijuana seized, 68 lbs was seized at the

Bridge of the Americas (BOTA); 1,360 lbs at the Ysleta POE; 497 lbs at the Paso Del Norte POE;

84 lbs at Santa Teresa, 147 lbs at Ft Hancock; and 192 lbs in the Lordsburg area. There were 43

reported marijuana seizures across the POEs totaling 2,350 lbs. Cocaine seizures of significance at

the POEs: Bridge of the America’s POE 9.92 lbs (4.5 kg), Paso Del Norte POE 50.93 lbs (23.1 kg),

and Ysleta POE 37.9 lbs (17.16 kg).

No significant trends were noted during this reporting period with respect to concealment methods

of contraband. Vehicle quarter panels, tires, and fuel tanks remain the predominate concealment

locations in a wide variety of vehicles.

El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment

The El Paso PD reported 16 marijuana seizures totaling 24 lbs and 9 cocaine seizures totaling 0.07

kg. The El Paso Co SO reported 4 marijuana seizures totaling 528 lbs and 1 cocaine seizure

totaling 0.0015 kg. DPS reported one marijuana seizure totaling 3.9 lbs.


El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment (cont)

City-wide index crime continues to

show a decrease by 11% compared

to the same time frame last year.

There is a noted 1100% increase (11) in

murders, a 113% increase (26) in sexual

assaults, a 5% decrease (4) in robberies, a 6%

decrease (134) in assaults, an 11% decrease (41)

in burglary, a 15% decrease (436) in larceny, a

25% decrease (101) in vehicle theft, and a 11%

decrease (63) in vehicle burglary. (Provided by El

Paso PD)

Population of El Paso: 649,121 (2010 Census)

Population El Paso City and County 700,000

Murder, 1

Sexual Aslt, 23

Robbery, 88

Aslt, 2,343

Burglary, 388

Larceny , 2,842

Veh Theft, 405

*Burg Vehicle , 563

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City wide for week ending Mar 19th 2010

Murder, 12 Sexual Aslt, 49

Robbery, 84

Aslt, 2,209

Burglary, 347

Larceny , 2,406

Veh Theft, 304

*Burg Vehicle , 500

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City wide for week ending Mar 19th 2011

Citywide (YTD through Mar 19th, 2011)

Offense 2010 2011 % Change

Murder 1 12 1100%

Sexual Assault 23 49 113%

Robbery 88 84 -5%

Assault 2,343 2,209 -6%

Burglary 388 347 -11%

Larceny 2,842 2,406 -15%

Vehicle Theft 405 304 -25%

Burglary Vehicle 563 500 -11%

Total: 6,090 5,411 -11%

Crime Rate: 945 839 -11%


El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment (cont)

During this reporting period, 351 IA’s were apprehended. IA apprehensions increased

by 117 from the previous week’s 234. The total reported IA apprehensions within the

El Paso Sector from January 5 through March 22, 2011 is 2,563 with 171 being other

than Mexican (OTM).

From 1/05 – 1/11 (119 apprehensions)











Leading IA OTMs Jan 5 to date:

Guatemala 52

Honduras 26

El Salvador 23

India 19

BRAZI, 5

CAMBO, 1

GUATE, 11

ITALY, 2

HONDO, 4

INDIA, 5

NICAR, 1 ELSAL, 4

ARGEN, 2

585

BRAZI

CAMBO

GUATE

ITALY

HONDO

INDIA

NICAR

ELSAL

ARGEN

Apprehensions between 9 – 22 MAR


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 SECTOR16 – 22 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

Full Map/Table of ContentsCONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


Marfa SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 0

Bailouts 0


Fugitive Arrests 2


Pursuits 0

Scouts/Decoys 0


IAs/Referrals 0

IAs/USBP 94

OTMs 3

OTM CountriesHonduras 2

Cuba 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 646.87 lbs

Cocaine 160.44lbs

Heroin 0.01lbs


Currency $173,662.00

Other

Hashish – 1.88 lbs,

Promethazine – 25 lbs,

4 doses LSD,

1 pill Ecstasy,

1 pill acetaminophen,

w/codeine,

2 pills Xanax,

60 pills Propranolol

Weapons

Handgun(s) 3

Long Gun(s) 3

Explosive(s) 0


Stolen 0

Recovered 2


Marfa Sector


$26,185

$482,575

$5,858

$173,662

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

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

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Marfa UC Currency Seizures

135.27

1,158.92

1,355.24

646.87

0.00

200.00

400.00

600.00

800.00

1,000.00

1,200.00

1,400.00

1,600.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Marfa UC Marijuana Seizures

0.02 0.00 0.02

160.44

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

140.00

160.00

180.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Marfa UC Cocaine Seizures

65

43

61

94

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

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

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Marfa UC Illegal Aliens


Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 44.69 lbs of marijuana,

160.44 lbs of cocaine, 25 lbs of Promethazine, $156,974

USD, one .45 cal. handgun, 69 rds of .45 cal. ammo, and

apprehended two USCs in a green 2010 Volvo Truck Tractor.

The narcotics, vehicle, and subjects were turned over to the

DEA. The firearm and ammunition were turned over to the

ATF.


Luggage in sleeper compartment

CocaineCocaine

Promethazine

bottles Marijuana

2010 Volvo tractor trailerUS currency

.45 cal. handgun



Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 293.76 lbs of marijuana and apprehended two USCs

in a white 2000 Chevrolet Astro van. The marijuana, vehicle, and subjects were turned

over to DEA.

Marijuana bricks in void

False compartment in rear

of van



Presidio USBP Agents seized 162.35 lbs of marijuana and apprehended

one USC, four IAs, including 1 juvenile, in a green 1997 Chevrolet Z-71

pickup truck. The narcotics, vehicle, USC and three adult IAs were turned

over to DEA. The juvenile subject was turned over to Presidio Co SO.

Reeves Co SO Deputies seized 1.8 lbs of crystal meth and apprehended one USC in a

2000 Ford Crown Victoria a few miles east of Pecos, TX, on IH-20.

False compartment

located in right rear

fender well.



Marfa USBP Agents seized 99.2 lbs of marijuana and apprehended one Mexican

National in a red 1981 Ford F-150 Ranger. The marijuana was located in the ceiling of

the camper shell. The marijuana, vehicle, and subjects were turned over to DEA.

False compartment sealed with

Fiberglass in top of camper shell.

Truck camper shell showing hidden

compartment, bundles revealed.


HU

DSP

ETH

CO

UN

TY

Hudspeth Co SO utilized HIDTA and ARRA funding to mount a three-day

enhanced operation conducted at the intersection of US-62/180 and FM-1111

in Hudspeth Co. During the operation, a driver’s license and insurance

checkpoint was employed. HCSO also used enhanced patrols during the

operation to prevent circumventing the checkpoint. During the operations, a

total of 2,333 vehicles were checked through the checkpoint with 120 traffic

citations issued and 5 arrests made (2 – drug related, 1 – warrant, 1 – stolen

vehicle and trailer, 1 – disorderly conduct).


1111EL

PA

SO C

OU

NTY

N



Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment

Marijuana seizures are down approximately 60% compared to last week. A total of 642.87 lbs of

marijuana was seized by the Unified Command in the Marfa Sector this week. The largest seizure

was 293.75 lbs at the USBP Checkpoint on IH-10 in Hudspeth Co. The second largest seizure was

162.35 lbs of marijuana seized by USBP on FM-170 in Presidio Co.

A large cocaine seizure of 160.43 lbs was made this week at the USBP Checkpoint in Hudspeth Co

on IH-10. A truck-tractor / semi-trailer provided the transport for this unusual combination load.

The load of contraband was composed of marijuana, cocaine, Promethazine and codeine, firearms,

and US Currency. These items of contraband normally do not appear with more than two types of

contraband per load vehicle. Prometh and codeine has traditionally passed through the area in

luggage on commercial buses or personal vehicles. This is the first reported incident where it has

been found in a T/T S/T. The 25 lbs of Promethazine w/codeine seized by USBP in the combination

load is the largest Promethazine seizure in recent months.

A Reeves Co SO Deputy made a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of 1.8 lbs of Crystal

Methamphetamine in Reeves Co on IH-20. Hashish seizures were up slightly at 1.88 lbs seized.

Miscellaneous drug seizures include: Two (2) Ecstasy pills, four doses of LSD, 4.02 lbs of PCP this

week. The 4.02 lbs of PCP is an unusual amount for this area, and is considered a larger amount

than just for personal use.

Currency seizures were up this week with $173,662 USD seized from this combination load.

Weapon seizures were up this week, as ATF seized a total of six firearms. IA apprehensions

increased across the entire area, and 94 IAs were apprehended. In southern Presidio Co and

southern Terrell Co, large groups of IAs were very active away from the highways.


Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment (cont.)

The East/West Interstate corridors (IH-10 and IH-20) have experienced increased activity this week.

There have been increasing narcotics and currency seizures along the IH-10 and IH-20 corridors

over the past months. The Reeves Co SO Narcotics Unit (IH-20) and USBP Agents (primarily at

checkpoints IH-10) have accounted for most of the increase in commercial vehicle interdictions.

Information received indicates that commercial vehicles continue to be used as a primary means of

moving large amounts of contraband through the area. A growing awareness of this trend is leading

to a variety of increased seizures and arrests.


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 SECTOR16 – 22 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 36

Bailouts 14

Criminal Arrests 10

Fugitive Arrests 14


Pursuits 3

Scouts/Decoys 1


IAs/Referrals 8

IAs/USBP 405

OTMs 38

OTM Countries

El Salvador 12

Guatemala 4

Honduras 19

Nicaragua 2

Dominican Republic 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 51.02 lbs

Heroin 0 lbs

Methamphetamine 0 lbs

Currency $17,000.00

Other 0

Weapons

Handgun(s) 0

Long Gun(s) 0

Ammunition 0


Stolen 0

Recovered 13

Southbound

Weapons

Handgun(s) 3

Long Gun(s) 4


Del Rio Sector


$12,900

$0

$7,959

$17,000

$0

$2,000

$4,000

$6,000

$8,000

$10,000

$12,000

$14,000

$16,000

$18,000

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

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Del Rio UC Currency Seizures

2,538.64

2,072.10

1,445.39

595.52

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Del Rio UC Marijuana Seizures

84.61

0.19

59.40

51.02

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Del Rio UC Cocaine Seizures

208

421 387 405

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

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

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Del Rio UC Illegal Aliens


Southbound operations

At the Del Rio POE, a CBP-OFO Officer located four long arms, three pistols and

five magazines in a Red 2007 Dodge Caliber. Most of the firearms were located

in the trunk in between the back seat and an

unconnected speaker system. Two of the firearms

were on the back seat in plain sight. The subject was

turned over to ICE for prosecution. The subject was

previously stopped with $17,000 USD in undeclared

currency in JAN 2011, but no report had been

received from the POE on this seizure. The firearms

and vehicle were seized.


Gang activity

Santa Muerte necklace

A Uvalde PD K-9 Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. The occupants displayed suspicious

behavior and the driver admitted to being a member of the MEXICAN MAFIA. The subject had

observable tattoos and wore a Santa Muerte necklace. The subject was released. The passenger

was in possession of a controlled substance and narcotic smuggling paraphernalia, and was

arrested.


Gang activity (cont)

PRM Tattoos on head

and arms

A Uvalde PD Officer was performing bus interdiction and observed an individual exiting the bus with

multiple tattoos on his arms. The subject admitted to being a member of PARTIDO

REVOLUTIONARIO MEXICANO (PRM). The subject allowed photos to be taken and then was

released.


Gang activity (cont)Uvalde PD Officers and Detectives responded to a fight among gang members. Two of

the subjects were members of the MEXICAN MAFIA. Photos were taken of both

individuals and further transported to the Uvalde Co Jail for processing. Both were

charged with Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon.

Brown Pride

Something covered up


Additional information

DPS-THP Troopers called the USBP for assistance with possible IA subjects. The

Troopers had observed a 2001 Chevrolet Impala traveling northbound on US-277 toward

Del Rio. Approximately 30 minutes later the vehicle was observed going southbound on

US-277 toward Eagle Pass. The vehicle was being driven erratically and the driver

turned off the headlights. The Troopers pulled the vehicle over and one subject absconded. The

driver was a female USC; the three passengers still in the vehicle were IAs. There were four green

duffel bags on the floor of the Impala which contained 211.6 lbs of marijuana. An adult and two

juveniles were processed. The vehicle, and the contraband were taken into custody by the DPS.

• To a report from a concerned citizen in reference to one 2004 and one 2006

Chevrolet 1500 truck picking up possible IAs on the side of the road. The vehicles

were observed heading south on US-83 then east on RR-133. The 2004 truck was

reported stolen out of Austin. The vehicle was driven through a fence onto a local

ranch where the driver and occupants absconded. The 2006 truck was reported

stolen out of Cedar Creek, TX, and was driven further east on RR-133 before the

driver drove it through a fence onto another ranch. Approximately ten individuals

jumped out of the vehicle and six of the subjects were apprehended. Dimmit Co

SO took custody of the two vehicles and the subjects were processed.

• To a ranch near US-277 in Kinney Co observed seven subjects carrying

bundles toward US-277. The Agents attempted to apprehend the subjects,

but they absconded, dropping five large bundles of marijuana. The bundles

weighed a total of 328 lbs, and were turned over to the DEA.

USBP Agents responded:



USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 116, searched for multiple subjects after it was

reported that the subjects had crossed the Rio Grande near the Moody Ranch west

of US-277 and RR-693 in Kinney Co. Using the thermal imager, the Aircrew began

to search the area in front of the Agents. The Aircrew located two subjects hiding on

a hillside. Agents were then directed to the location, where the subjects were taken

into custody without incident. The Aircrew continued searching the area but was

unable to locate any other subjects.

Suspected IAs

in brush

USBP Agents approaching

suspected IAs

Suspected IAsUSBP Agents

taking suspected

IAs into custody

Agent arriving

to assist



CBP-OFO Officers working at the Del Rio POE Northbound selected a 1997 Toyota Celica for

inspection. The vehicle’s interior showed signs of extensive tampering. A K-9 alerted to one of the

quarter panels, and high buster reading was received. Inside the quarter panels, paper towel tubing

had been used to create space between cocaine packages and the panels' outside walls in order to

generate a hollow sound if tapped. A total of 51.02 lbs of cocaine was found behind the speakers in

the quarter panels. ICE took custody of the subject; the vehicle was seized.

Cocaine packages hidden

in quarter panels

Paper towel roll

used as spacer



A subject in a 2000 Dodge Intrepid at the Eagle Pass POE Bridge #2 was referred to secondary by

CBP-OFO Officers due to crossing history. A K-9 alerted to back seat of the vehicle. A trap door

was visible upon removal of the back seat. A total of 55.91 lbs of marijuana were found concealed

within a non-factory compartment behind the rear seat. The vehicle was seized. Federal

prosecution was accepted on the subject.

Marijuana hidden in

compartment behind

rear seat


During this reporting period, 595.52 lbs of marijuana

was seized in the Del Rio sector. This is an

approximate 59% reduction over last period’s 1,445.39

lbs. The number of pounds of cocaine seized this

period was 51.02 lbs, approximately eight lbs less than

last reporting period. However, cocaine seizures

continue to be high for the sector. This brings the total

amount of cocaine seized since 1 JAN 2011 to 509.26

lbs.

Del Rio Sector Unified Command Sector Assessment

Major drug seizures for the week of 16 MAR 2011

through 23 MAR 2011

A Dimmit Co SO Deputy recovered and impounded an abandoned 2006 Ford F-250

4x4 that was located on a ranch off Buckhorn Rd in Dimmit Co. The vehicle was

reported stolen out of San Antonio. A search of the area by USBP Agents yielded no

subjects.



Del Rio Sector Unified Command Sector Assessment (cont)

There is a continuing problem with the use of stolen

vehicles to transport IAs during this reporting period:

there have been 13 stolen vehicles recovered in the

Dimmit/Zavala County area. Also this reporting period,

there were 14 bailouts involved in stolen vehicle

recoveries. The USBP was involved in 11 of the

bailouts. There were three pursuits by Dimmit County

Constables and the DPS-THP.

On 22 MAR 2011, Del Rio JOIC personnel attended an

intelligence meeting at the USBP facility in Cotulla. The

meeting involved law enforcement agencies from the

Laredo and Del Rio sectors, and was held to discuss

ways to combat the problem of stolen vehicles. For the

most part, the stolen vehicles are being operated by

IAs, and law enforcement has not been able to

backtrack to the theft rings as of yet. For example, in

the last several months, there has been only one driver

apprehended in a bailout of a stolen vehicle.

Two Stolen

Vehicles

Recovered

Stolen vehicles recovered for the week of

March 16, 2011 through March 23, 2011

Two Stolen

Vehicles

Recovered


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 SECTOR16 – 22 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 29

Bailouts 6

Criminal Arrests 9

Fugitive Arrests 1


Pursuits 7

Scouts/Decoys 0


IAs/Referrals 51

IAs/USBP 953

OTMs 148

OTM Countries

Brazil 2

China 2

Colombia 1

Costa Rica 2

Ecuador 12

El Salvador 19

Guatemala 44

Honduras 48

India 9

Nicaragua 2

Pakistan 1

Peru 2

South Korea 1

Sri Lanka 2

Venezuela 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 0.015 lbs

Heroin 0.004 lbs


Currency $0

OtherRoche – 190 Pills,

Cyclobenzaprine – 283 Pills

Weapons

Handgun(s) 0

Long Gun(s) 0

Explosive(s) 0


Stolen 4

Recovered 3


Laredo Sector


$118,100

$120,134

$3,070 $0$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

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

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Laredo UC Currency Seizures

8,265.50

1,444.70

7,147.42

1,111.43

0.00

1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

7,000.00

8,000.00

9,000.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Laredo UC Marijuana Seizures

15.02

0.02

10.20

0.020.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Laredo UC Cocaine Seizures

954

969967

953

945

950

955

960

965

970

975

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

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Laredo UC Illegal Aliens


Texas Military Forces – Counterdrug Aviation Unit:

On 16 MAR 2011, assisted USBP Laredo West Agents in a

search of a group of IAs. The Aircrew located a group. Agents

responded to the area and apprehended 11 IAs.

On 18 MAR 2011, responded to assist USBP Laredo North

Agents in search of IAs. The group was located just south of

Encinal, TX, near IH-35. USBP apprehended four IAs who had

scattered and attempted to evade arrest.

On 20 MAR 2011, responded to assist USBP Cotulla Agents in

search of IAs. Upon arrival, a search was conducted near Cotulla

and five IAs were apprehended.

On 21 MAR 2011:

• assisted USBP Laredo South Agents locate seven UAs near

the Tex-Mex area. Agents responded to the area, and the

subjects absconded back into Mexico crossing the Rio

Grande.

• assisted USBP Laredo West Agents locate six UAs near the

US -83 rest stop. The agents apprehended six UAs.

On 21 MAR 2011, assisted DPS AVN 201 and USBP Laredo

West Agents search for a large group of IAs near Las Tiendas

Rd and Camino Colombia Rd, NW of the Columbia Solidarity

POE. Agents apprehended 12 UAs and estimated three

absconded.

N


1

2

4

3 USBP Checkpoint


Gang activity

MS-13: 1 Sietero: 1 Mexican Mafia: 1

On 20 MAR 2011, USBP Laredo

South Agents apprehended a group

of five undocumented aliens near the

Isla De Los Jueces Subdivision in

Laredo, TX. One subjects claimed

affiliation with the MARA

SALVATRUCHA gang (MS-13).

• On 18 MAR 2011, Laredo PD Officers arrested one male subject, identified as a

SIETERO gang member, on N. Arkansas and E. Clark Blvd after a brief vehicle

chase. Subject was charged with Evading Arrest and Detention with Motor

Vehicle. The subject was remanded to Webb Co. Jail.

• On 21 MAR 2011, Laredo PD Officers arrested one male subject, identified as a

MEXICAN MAFIA gang member, at 1520 E. Eistetter St after being served with a

warrant for Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon. The subject was remanded

to Webb Co Jail.

Laredo PD:

The following gangs were encountered in the Laredo Sector:



On 14 MAR 2011, a traffic stop on a 2004 Dodge pickup truck on SH-44 near San

Diego, TX. The driver was asked for consent to search the vehicle and permission

was granted. During the search of the vehicle, Deputies located 0.015 lbs of

cocaine concealed within a clear plastic baggy in the area of the arm rest. The driver

was arrested and vehicle was seized.


On 17 MAR 2011, a traffic stop on a green 2006 Ford F-350 on SH-359, six miles

west of Benavides, TX. The driver refused to stop and a short pursuit ensued. The

vehicle went through a fence and approximately 15 subjects absconded into the

brush. San Antonio PD reported the vehicle as stolen and it was taken to Duval Co

impound yard.

On 18 MAR 2011, a traffic stop on a red 1997 Dodge pickup at the intersection of

CR-202 and SH-359, approximately five miles east of Benavides, TX. After vehicle

came to a stop, approximately 12 subjects bailed from the vehicle. The driver was

taken into custody for an outstanding warrant out of Medina Co for driving with an

invalid license. USBP was notified.

On 18 MAR 2011, a traffic stop on a white 2011 4-door vehicle on the corner of

Chapultepec and Reforma St, San Diego, TX. The driver and six subjects bailed out

of the slow moving vehicle. The deputy approached, stopped the vehicle, and

apprehended three undocumented IAs who were referred to USBP. The vehicle was

a rental from Avis – Houston/Hobby Airport and was seized by Duval Co SO.

Duval Co SO initiated:



On 15 MAR 2011, Webb Co Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a black

2003 Dodge Durango on US-83, one mile north of Rio Bravo, TX. The driver

and passengers were in the US illegally, and USBP Agents were notified.

Deputies turned over the seven subjects to USBP Agents.

On 16 MAR 2011, a Game Warden conducted a traffic stop on a black F-150 Ford

pickup truck, on US-83. The male driver admitted to having smoked marijuana prior to

the stop. The driver granted consent to search the vehicle. Zapata Co Deputy

assisted in the pat-down of a female passenger and revealed 190 Roche (R2,

Rohypnol) pills. The search of the male driver revealed 0.004 lbs of heroin. The

subjects were arrested and the vehicle was seized and turned over to Zapata Co

Deputies.

On 18 MAR 2011, USBP Agents initiated a traffic stop on a 1997 brown Ford pickup

truck traveling on SH-16 and FM-2359, resulting in a bail out. The driver absconded

into the brush. The vehicle, which was stolen out of San Antonio, was seized by Duval

County SO.

On 22 MAR 2011, a DPS Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2003 Dodge Pickup

truck, traveling northbound on US-83, near Rio Bravo, TX. A subsequent search of the

vehicle revealed 111.2 lbs of marijuana concealed in the gas tank. The male driver

was arrested and the vehicle seized. The marijuana load originated in Roma, TX, and

was destined for Oklahoma.



On 17 MAR 2011, USBP Laredo West Agents initiated a traffic stop on a brown 2003 Chevrolet

Trailblazer, driven by a male with a male passenger, approximately four miles south of Mines Road

and Camino Colombia. The agents seized 335.5 lbs of marijuana found in the rear passenger

compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle was released to the registered owner. The marijuana and

subjects were turned over to the DEA.

Salvador Martinez

Gabriel Quintana



On 18 MAR 2011, Webb Co Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a white 2003 Ford

Expedition traveling on LP-20, Laredo. The driver refused to stop and short pursuit

ensued. The vehicle came to a stop and driver bailed out. The search of the vehicle

revealed eight bundles of marijuana weighing 614 lbs. The driver was arrested, the

vehicle and marijuana were seized.

On 21 MAR 2011, Laredo PD Officers arrested one male subject at a residence in the

2200 block of E. Saunders, Laredo. The subject was charged with Possession of

Marijuana after officers recovered one duffle bag with two bundles of marijuana

weighing 38.5 lbs. The subject was remanded to Webb Co Jail.

On 14 MAR 2011, Duval Co Constable initiated a traffic stop on a green 1998

Dodge pickup truck, traveling on CR-217, 18 miles south of San Diego, TX.

The vehicle stopped and 12 subjects absconded into the brush. USBP was

notified and the vehicle was seized by Duval SO.

On 22 March, Duval Co SO received information regarding five subjects, possibly

armed, in the vicinity of FM-2295, in Benavides, TX. A search by local authorities

and USBP Agents resulted in the apprehension of four undocumented aliens. One

subject absconded. No weapons were located.

On 22 March, Duval Co Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a maroon 2005 Chevrolet

SUV traveling on SH-44, four miles north of Freer, TX. The driver gave consent to

search and the Deputy discovered 283 Cyclobenzaprine pills, within a black pouch

in the back seat. The driver was arrested and vehicle was seized.



On 18 MAR 2011, CBP-OFO Officers seized 12.23 lbs of marijuana at the Lincoln-

Juarez Bridge, in Laredo. The marijuana was concealed within the drive shaft of a

2004 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck bearing MX plates. The male driver was arrested

and the vehicle was seized.

On 19 MAR 2011, CBP-OFO Officers seized 15.4 lbs of methamphetamine at the

Lincoln-Juarez Bridge (inbound). The meth was concealed within the liner of

Samsonite suitcases located on a commercial bus. One male subject was arrested.




Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment

The Laredo Unified Command had a decrease in all areas for this reporting period with exception to a

slight increase in IA apprehensions. The Laredo Sector also had a significant increase in OTM

apprehensions this week. Guatemalan apprehensions rose from 16 last week to 44. Honduran

apprehensions rose from 30 to 48. Indian Nationals jumped from 2 to 9 this week. OTM apprehensions

almost doubled, with apprehensions covering 15 countries.

An increase in pursuits and bailouts resulted in an increase in aliens absconding and a slight increase in

aliens turned over to USBP.

The significant seizures this period were: 15.4 lbs of methamphetamines, concealed in suitcase liners on

a commercial bus, and 614 lbs of marijuana, seized by Webb Co SO, on LP-20, in Laredo. Marijuana

seizures were down this week and were also seized in much smaller loads. Although meth was down from

19.9 lbs to 15.4 lbs, these numbers are uncommonly high for this particular drug in the AOR.

5

3

24

151

222

234

47

9

Colombia

Cuba

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

India

Nicaragua

OTMs of Significant Numbers in Laredo Sector from 01 JAN 2011 to Present


K E N E D Y

S T A R R H I D A L G O

W I L L A C Y

C A M E R O N

B R O O K S

RIO GRANDE VALLEY UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR16 – 22 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 7

Bailouts 4

Criminal Arrests 55

Fugitive Arrests 8


Pursuits 6

Scouts/Decoys 0


IAs/Referrals 37

IAs/USBP 1,088

OTMs 493

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 124.91 lbs

Heroin 0 lbs

Methamphetamine

(liquid)14.4 liters

Currency $263,273.00

Other 4.4 lbs - PCP

Weapons

Handgun(s) 2

Long Gun(s) 12

Explosive(s) 2


Stolen 2

Recovered 2


Rio Grande Valley Sector


119.97

145.75

0.06

124.91

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

140.00

160.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

RGV UC Cocaine Seizures

956972

996

1,088

850

900

950

1,000

1,050

1,100

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

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

RGV UC Illegal Aliens

$535,897

$0$20,800

$263,273

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

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

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

RGV UC Currency Seizures

39,364.60

13,095.10

26,570.00

23,547.54

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

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

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

RGV UC Marijuana Seizures


Vallucos Sureño 13 Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos

Texas Syndicate Norteño 14 Texas Chicano Brotherhood

Mexican Mafia Paisa Tango Blast

Latin Kings Tri-City Bombers South Side Bandido

Loco Trece

The Hidalgo Co Sheriff’s Gang Intelligence Unit reported 51 gang member arrests this reporting period.

These arrests were made by 13 different agencies in the RGV sector. The gang members were arrested

for offenses such as, parole violation, aggravated robbery, theft of property, driving while intoxicated,

possession of marijuana, assault causing bodily injury, failure to ID, contempt of child support, failure to

register as sex offender, evading arrest, possession of controlled substance, robbery, criminal mischief,

federal inmate, theft from person, burglary of building, tampering with physical evidence, attempted capital

murder, failure to display driver license, burglary of habitation, aggravated assault with deadly weapon,

injury to child, no safety belt, no driver license, driving while intoxicated with child, aggravated sexual

assault child and criminal trespass. The arrestees have gang affiliation with:

Gang activity

Starr Co SO Deputies observed several suspicious

individuals. One male in the group jumped over the Roma

Texas Municipal Building fence. Deputies pursued on foot

and apprehended the subject. During the pursuit, USBP

Agents apprehended three other subjects who were part

of the group. The male subject who was caught by the

Deputy was found to be in possession of a Georgia

identification card, $900 USD, and $500 Mexican Pesos.

The subject was also identified as a gang member of the

WEST SIDE VIP LOCOS and PURO VARRIO POBRES.


DPS AVN 107 engaged in a pursuit with a suspected load

vehicle traveling from the river at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle driver realized he had been interdicted and

returned to the river. USBP and DPS AVN 108 responded

to the location to provide assistance. DPS AVN

helicopters landed in the area prior to USBP arrival and

two DPS Tactical Flight Officers (TFO) were deployed and

apprehend one subject and 2 bundles of marijuana. All

other subjects and the remaining marijuana absconded

south to Mexico. USBP and DPS AVN worked with

Mexican Military to arrest the subjects and seize the

marijuana on the Mexican side with DPS AVN conducting

overwatch. One subject returned to the US, and was

apprehended by the TFOs. Subjects and marijuana were

released to USBP.

DPS AVN TFOs arresting suspect.

Life Vest used while boating

across with narcotics

See next page




Additional information (cont)Continued from previous page.

Mexican Military Responding to the scene.

Loading bundles in Texas.

Unloading in

Mexico.



• A Mexican Tornado line passenger bus. A male USC was found to be carrying

$130,093 USD in his boots and pockets and the subject was arrested. A second

subject aboard the bus was found to be transporting $110,300 USD.

• On 19 MAR 2011, an inbound 1993 Pontiac Minivan being driven by a male USC.

The inspection revealed 14.4 liters of liquid methamphetamine concealed in

Corona beer bottles. The subject was arrested and vehicle seized.

• On 21 MAR 2011, an inbound Toyota taxi cab with Mexican license plates and a

female USC passenger. Inspection of the passenger’s belongings revealed two -

one liter liquor bottles filled with liquid Phencyclidine (PCP). The passenger

was questioned and released and the PCP was seized.

CBP Officers from the Hidalgo POE inspected:





Investigators from the Starr Co SO observed a black Dodge pickup traveling

eastbound on FM-490 in Starr Co. Investigators conducted a traffic stop and made

contact with the driver. During the interview, investigators observed several bundles

in plain view on the passenger side floorboard and bed of truck. A total of 372 lbs of

marijuana was found in the truck. The driver was arrested.


USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 108, searched east of the Hidalgo POE with a large group of

suspects attempting to enter the US illegally. The Aircrew arrived and quickly located several

groups hiding in the brush on the US side and guided the Agents to the group’s location. As agents

approached the suspects, they fled on foot in all directions, some carrying ladders. Numerous foot

pursuits occurred but agents were able to apprehend 24 suspects. About 80 other subjects

retreated to the Rio Grande, entered the river and waited for boats and rafts from Mexico to

recover them.

Suspects running from USBP

Raft carrying a ladder back to Mexico

Suspects

entering

river

USBP

Agent



DPS Air 108 assisted in a vehicle pursuit that started

in Starr Co and continued into Hidalgo Co where the

suspect crashed into a fence and fled on foot. The

Aircrew found the abandoned suspect vehicle with

bundles still in the bed of the truck. While the Hidalgo

Co Deputy was arriving to the area of the crashed

truck, the Deputy encountered a stationary

Volkswagen with two occupants. The Deputy made

contact with the occupants and determined that they

may have been waiting to pick up the driver of the

truck or the marijuana. Other deputies arrived at the

location of the truck and discovered 523 lbs of

marijuana in the truck cab and bed. The driver of the

truck was not located.Truck with bundles in bed

USBP, assisted by DPS Air 108, conducted a criminal search near

the Settling Basin area just east of the Hidalgo POE. The Aircrew

began searching the area with the FLIR camera and located a large

group of suspects hiding just east of the Settling Basin road. The

Aircrew attempted to guide the Agents to the suspects location but

the brush was too thick. The Agents were able to apprehend three of

the suspects and seven others were picked up by a raft and taken

back to Mexico.



DPS Air 108 assisted THP Trooper with vehicle pursuit that was headed towards Los Ebanos. The

vehicle traveled to the Los Ebanos POE (Ferry) where the occupants bailed-out and fled on foot

along the riverbank. The Aircrew observed Mexican soldiers on the ferry landing in Mexico and

advised them of the search for the suspects via the aircraft’s PA system. Mexican soldiers

responded by positioning troops along the river bank on the Mexican side. The suspect’s vehicle

was found to contain 197 lbs of marijuana. Another vehicle was later stopped by Hidalgo Co SO. An

occupant in second vehicle is believed to be one of the occupants involved in the pursuit.



Palmview PD, assisted by DPS Air 108, searched the Rio Grande

riverbank for any suspicious activity and heard La Joya PD engage

in a pursuit with a white passenger car that was traveling,

northbound on Jara Chinas Rd. During the pursuit, the suspects

vehicle deployed spikes, attempting to disable the pursuing officers’

vehicles. The vehicle traveled westbound on Mile 14 where the suspect bailed

out and fled on foot. Aircrew arrived on scene soon after the bailout and began

searching the surrounding area with the Wescam FLIR camera and Night Sun.

Aircrew quickly located three subjects hiding in a field just north of the vehicle.

La Joya PD apprehended all three subjects.

USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 108,

located a large group of IAs near Jackson

Rd and Levee Rd. The Aircrew guided

agents to their location where all were

apprehended.


Stock Photo

Roma PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Cobalt on US-83 in Roma, TX.

Officers recovered a total of 213.9 lbs of marijuana from vehicle. Driver and

passenger were detained.


• An inbound 1997 Ford Explorer being driven by a

Mexican male. The inspection revealed 42.4 lbs of

Marijuana concealed in the rocker panels of the

vehicle. The driver was arrested and the vehicle was

seized.

• An inbound reefer unit carrying a cargo of Persian limes. An inspection of

the trailer revealed 2,449 lbs of marijuana in the floor of the trailer.

ANALYST NOTE: Important to note with the produce seizures, is not necessarily the

“produce” but the locations where they are seized. Typically, the marijuana is moved from

Mexico to the US in smaller loads and assembled at stash houses, (often warehouse)

co-mingled with the load of produce. Three incidents have now been reported by the RGV

Sector regarding marijuana trafficking across the US-Mexico Border at the Pharr POE co-

mingled with the produce prior to crossing into the states.

• An inbound 2005 Ford F-150 being

driven by a Mexican male. The

inspection revealed 119 lbs of

Marijuana concealed in the fuel tank

and spare tire of the vehicle. The

vehicle was seized.


CBP Officers at Pharr POE inspected:



Border Interdiction Task Force Deputy from the Starr Co SO conducted a traffic stop

on a Ford Econoline van with commercial markings on FM-755 and FM-1017. The

driver continued on but finally stopped after a short pursuit. Upon stopping, the

driver and approximately 20 subjects exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Three

illegal aliens were found in the van and apprehended. They all claimed to have been

kidnapped and forcibly smuggled into the US. The van was found to be registered to

a female in north Texas but had not been reported stolen. The sign on the door was

a magnetic sign.

Electrolytes

ie Gatorade)

Water Gallons


Starr Co SO, assisted by DPS 108, searched for two vehicles

near Pipeline Road with possible narcotics. While enroute to

Pipeline Road, aircrew observed one of the vehicles eastbound

on Mile 7 Rd. Utilizing the Wes Cam (FLIR), aircrew observed the vehicle to be a single cab pickup

with persons laying in the bed of the pickup. The Aircrew then radioed nearby McAllen THP Units

and advised them of the traffic. At the intersection of Western and Mile 7, aircrew observed the

pickup rear end a car and leave the scene of the accident. The vehicle that was struck pursued the

pickup for a short distance but stopped. The suspect vehicle then turned north on Bentsen Palm Rd

and pulled to the west side shoulder where all occupants (8 to 10) bailed out. DPS Air 108 was

able to stay with the driver who fled in a northwest direction. The Aircrew guided ground units on a

lengthy foot pursuit through brush and orchards. The driver was arrested by USBP ground unit.

Two other suspects were later taken into custody by USBP. THP Trooper remained working the

accident involving the pickup and the rear ended vehicle.

Suspect vehicle running civilian vehicle off the road Suspect vehicle THP vehicle



Starr Co SO, assisted by DPS Air 108, in a pursuit near La Casita, TX. The Aircrew

arrived as the two suspects bailed out and fled on foot towards the Rio Grande. One

of the suspects managed to swim across the river. The second subject was

addressed by the Aircrew via the PA system and advised to return to the US and

surrender. The suspect made it back to the US side and was ordered to walk to

waiting officers. The suspect complied after several hand gestures from his partner

standing on the Mexican side. The subject was apprehended by officers waiting on

the river bank. An unknown amount of marijuana was found in the vehicle.

Suspect surrendering to aircrew



Location where body was found

DPS Air 108 provided over-watch near the IBC area near Hidalgo while Mexican municipal police

recovered a deceased Mexican National that was lodged in some brush near the US riverbank. The

Mexican Coroner crew removed the body and transported it back to the Mexican side for

processing.

Starr Co Deputy was dispatched the Rio Grande after USBP Agents that were

patrolling the area reported finding a body floating in the river approximately 2.5 miles

east of FM-750 near Fronton, TX. The body did not appear to have any significant

trauma. The identity and nationality is still under investigation.


ANALYST NOTE: Over the last several months there have been three

recoveries of abandoned weapons in this area. Combined with this week’s

discovery of a body, this indicates a violent border hotspot.


USBP Agents from the Rio Grande Valley Station observed suspicious activity along the river in

Fronton, TX. While in the area, agents observed a white Dodge pickup truck stop near the Rio

Grande. Agents then spotted signs of foot traffic and followed them to a camouflaged duffel bag.

Inspection of the bag revealed ten assault rifles, two M-67 grenades and one M-40 grenade

launcher. ATF was notified and took custody of the weapons and ammunition at the scene.


Weapons

Seven (7) Century Arms AK-47s

One (1) Bushmaster AR-15

One (1) Zastava-Kargujevac AK-47

One (1) Unknown make AR-15

One (1) 37mm launcher

Two (2) hand grenades

Ammunition

77-rds 7.62 Caliber

219-rds .223 Caliber

50-rds .40 Caliber S&W

10 Thirty round magazinesN



• At the Gateway POE in Brownsville inspected an inbound 2001 Chevrolet Venture

driven by a Mexican male. The inspection revealed 75.8 lbs of marijuana

concealed in non factory compartment in the floor board under the rear seat. The

driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.


• At the Anzalduas POE inspected an inbound 2003 Toyota 4-Runner driven by a

Mexican male. The inspection revealed 6.48 lbs of methamphetamine concealed

in the engine compartment. The driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.

CBP Officers:



Border Interdiction Task Force Deputy from the Starr Co SO was advised by a ranch

hand of a downed fence and crashed vehicle. Upon Deputy’s arrival at the location,

the Deputy observed the destroyed fence and upon following the tracks, the Deputy

found an abandoned black Ford F-150 in the brush. Upon further inspection, the

Deputy discovered the keys still in the ignition and several bundles of marijuana in

the interior and bed of the truck. The vehicle contained a total of 535.4 lbs of

marijuana in 47 bundles.


USBP Agents:


• Responded to a suspicious vehicle near the levee

in Brownsville. When the driver spotted the

Agents, he turned around and drove the vehicle

into the river. The driver managed to swim back to

Mexico. Agents used a tow truck to retrieve the

vehicle from river and discovered 500 lbs of

marijuana inside.

• Pursued a pickup truck loaded with drugs. The

agents tried to detain the driver of the suspicious

vehicle south of Expressway 83 in Mission when

the driver sped off. The driver went through

Granjeno, TX, passed the levy and then drove into

the Rio Grande. The subject was able to swim

across the river to Mexico where armed men

assisted in recovering the marijuana.

La Joya PD received a call from a concerned citizen, who stated that there

were several people hiding in an abandoned house behind his property.

Officers and USBP Agents arrived at the residence and went inside to find

17 illegal aliens hiding. Eight males and seven females were apprehended.

The subjects were reportedly from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and

Nicaragua. Some of the females stated that were headed to McAllen. All

subjects were turned over to USBP and transported to the McAllen Station.




Starr Co SO Investigators, along with ICE Special Agents and Roma PD, proceeded to a residence

in Roma after receiving information on narcotics being stored at the residence. Upon arrival,

Deputies attempted to obtain a consent to search of the residence but the owner of the residence

refused. The owner did allow a free air search with a K-9. The ICE Agent led the K-9 around the

property and the K9 alerted to the area around the front door and to an area around a storage

room. After getting a search warrant, the Officers and Agents searched the residence and found

184.4 lbs of marijuana and a.22 long rifle.

Hidalgo PD Officer conducted a traffic

stop on a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero on

Bridge St. in Hidalgo, TX. Upon

stopping, the driver bailed out and fled

on foot. The Officer then inspected the

vehicle and discovered ten elongated

rectangular bundles wrapped in brown

tape. The packages were found to

contain 122.3 lbs of cocaine. The case

was turned over to ICE.


• Patrolling US-83 near Sullivan City, TX, conducted a traffic stop on a 2000

Chevrolet Impala occupied by a male driver and female passenger. As the

Trooper approached the vehicle, he saw several bundles in plain view inside the

vehicle. The subjects were arrested after the Trooper located 293 lbs of marijuana

in 13 bundles inside the vehicle.

• At a construction equipment site in Pharr when he observed a white Dodge

pickup being dropped off at the site. Upon approaching the truck, Trooper

observed the tool box in the truck to be open containing 21 bundles of marijuana

in the box. A total of 109 lbs of marijuana was seized.

• Patrolling US 281 near Edinburg, TX, conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Lincoln

Navigator occupied by a male driver and male passenger. During the interview

with the occupants, trooper received conflicting stories and request a consent to

search. During the search of the vehicle’s cargo area, trooper discovered two

envelope containing a total of $7,200 USD and two body armor vests.

ANALYST NOTE: Last week’s BOSA reported body armor seized from two residences and one traffic

stop.

• Conducted a traffic stop on a 2001 Peterbilt tractor truck pulling a 1998 flatbed

trailer on US-77 near Raymondville, TX. A consensual search of the trailer

revealed a non factory compartment in the kingpin and two bundles of currency

totaling $15,680 USD in a jacket stuffed in an ice chest. The driver, a Florida

resident, was arrested.


A THP Trooper:




A Border Interdiction Task Force Deputy from the Starr Co SO engaged in a pursuit

of a white Dodge Ram pickup truck on FM-490. During the pursuit, the vehicle

veered off the road and crashed through a fence. Upon the Deputy stopping, a

second white F-150 truck also came to a stop nearby where several more subjects

exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver of the Dodge and approximately 15

subjects exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Two female subjects were apprehended

and turned over to USBP. They both claimed to be from Guatemala.



Cameron Co Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a SUV occupied by three male adults and a

toddler. While the Deputy was checking the driver's license, a passenger moved to the driver’s

seat, put the vehicle in reverse and attempted to hit the Deputy. The Deputy fired on the vehicle

hitting the tire. The driver sped off, but crashed when the tires blew out. The driver then bailed out

of the vehicle and fled on foot. A CBP helicopter and a K-9 assisted in the search for the suspects

and were able to locate and arrest the passenger and another suspect. Deputies later found 49.2

lbs of marijuana in several bundles inside the vehicle. The toddler was unharmed and turned over

to the mother.


A Hidalgo Co judge charged an 18-year old man with aggravated assault in the

spiking incident in which two Sheriffs’ Office vehicles were disabled during a

pursuit. Investigators say that he was the subject who threw the spikes out the

window during the pursuit. Hidalgo Co Sheriff stated that this will be the first case of

this type to go to the District Attorney.


Hidalgo Co SO Deputy conducted a traffic stop

on a vehicle being driven by a 20-year old USC.

A consensual search of the vehicle reveled

1,400 lbs of marijuana in the vehicle.


Pharr PD Street Enforcement Team, and ATF agents

responded to a residence in Pharr in reference to a tip

received from the Pharr Crime Stoppers tip line that

assault rifles were being stored at that location for the

purpose of being smuggled into Mexico. Upon arrival,

Officer made contact with a male subject who answered

the door. Written consent to search the residence was

obtained but the search did not produce any weapons.

The search did however, produce a backpack with nine

clear plastic baggies containing 393 ecstasy pills and

three lbs of marijuana in vacuum packed bags. The

resident claimed ownership of the narcotics and was

arrested and transported to Pharr PD.




Mission PD Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black

Chevy Cobalt, and after a pursuit from Mission, TX, to McAllen, TX,

the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a brick mailbox and

damaged two parked cars. The driver and other occupants then fled

on foot into the neighborhood. The Mexican national driver (AKA “El

Zorro”) was later arrested for the pursuit and other warrants. Other

subjects were later arrested in the same area and were also identified

Mission PD assisted Palmview PD with a

vehicle pursuit in which the red Dodge truck

which was traveling eastbound on the

westbound lanes of US-83 & Los Ebanos

against traffic. The suspect truck then

exited US-83 & traveled southbound on

Conway Ave. The suspect’s truck then

made it to the Granjeno area and drove

into the Rio Grande. Approximately 40 – 50

subjects on rafts from the Mexican side

went halfway to the river and recovered

narcotic bundles from the truck before it

sank. The Dodge truck went downstream

and was not recovered. It is unknown how

much narcotics was in the vehicle.

as Mexican nationals. The driver was taken into custody by McAllen PD for his warrants,

and all other subjects were released to USBP. The suspect vehicle had been stolen out

of Mission earlier that same day.

N

Granjeno



A THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 1997 Dodge pickup on US-281 near San

Manuel, TX. The driver of the pickup refused to stop and led the trooper on a pursuit

from San Manuel, through Edinburg, Mission, and Palmview. During the pursuit, the

suspect driver drove his vehicle towards the troopers who were attempting to spike

the vehicle. At that point, troopers fired at the vehicle. The driver eventually stopped in

Palmview. Inventory of the vehicle revealed 315 lbs of marijuana in seven bundles in

the front and back seats. The driver was arrested at the scene without incident. No

injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Texas Rangers assisted DPS THP

with the investigation.


Pharr PD Officer received a Crime Stopper tip from a commercial mailing business in reference to a

suspicious package that was dropped off for delivery. The package was opened and found to

contain a cellophane wrapped bundle of cocaine. The cocaine weighed in at 2.47 lbs. The address

on the package returned to a McAllen cemetery.


RGV JOIC Sector Assessment

The RGV Unified Command agencies were responsible for the seizure of over 23,000 lbs of

marijuana. This is a 12% decrease from last week. Cocaine seizures increased from last week to

a combined agency total of 124.91 lbs. The USBP, CBP-OFO, DPS Aviation, CBP Air and Marine,

Pharr PD, DPS THP and CID, Starr Co SO, ICE, La Joya PD, Hidalgo Co SO, Hidalgo PD, Roma

PD, Palmview PD, Cameron Co SO, and ATF contributed significantly to the marijuana seizures.

The RGV UC effected several currency seizures this past week totaling over a quarter of a million

dollars. The concealment and smuggling methods varied with each case. One case involved a body

carrier on a commercial bus and another discovery of money was made in a floorboard of a tractor

trailer.


Another significant seizure of meth was effected by CBP OFO officers assigned to a port of entry.

This is the second time labeled beer bottles were utilized to transport the drug. The bottles had a

Corona label. The previous seizure utilized a Victoria brand label. Both bottles offer some

concealment due to their brown tint.

A cooperative enforcement venture between the Mexican Military Air and Ground units and McAllen

DPS Aviation resulted in the seizure of narcotics and the arrest of DTO members. From their

respective sides of the border, the agencies coordinated activities at the international boundary.

Through varied communication efforts, DPS Aviation was able to guide Mexican helicopters and

soldiers working near the Rio Grande to narcotics stash locations and fleeing suspects.

The Mexican Military continued intensified sweeps in border cities. The military arrested several

members of the cartel and seized numerous narcotics loads. Reports of gun battles between Gulf

Cartel and Zeta factions were circulated by open sources in Mexico.

RGV JOIC Sector Assessment (cont)


K L E B E R G

N U E C E S

J I MW

E L LS

S A N P A T R I C I O

B E E

L I V EO A K

G O L I A D

D e W I T T

L A V A C A

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 SECTOR16 – 22 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 36

Bailouts 10


Fugitive Arrests 151


Pursuits 5

Scouts/Decoys 0


IAs/Referrals 33

IAs/USBP 11

OTMs 1

OTM Countries Honduras 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 7.33 lbs

Heroin 0.002 lbs


Currency $ 51,330.00

Other

Hydrocodone (48 pills),

Alprozolam (5 pills),

Methadone (1 pill),

Adderall (10 pills),

Xanax (21 pills) ,

1 Meth lab

Weapons

Handgun(s) 4

Long Gun(s) 2

Explosive(s) 0


Stolen 2

Recovered 9


Coastal Bend Sector


$206,536

$1,532,690

$58,640 $51,330

$0

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

$1,600,000

$1,800,000

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

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Currency Seizures

5,859.64

4,019.15

211.75278.47

0.00

1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

7,000.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Marijuana Seizures

4.57

106.59

0.447.33

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

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

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Coastal Bend UC Cocaine Seizures

28

9

23

11

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

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

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Coastal Bend UC Illegal Aliens


Kingsville PD reported a SWAT callout for a hostage situation. The hostage was rescued and the

hostage taker was charged with unlawful restraint, assault and counterfeiting. The hostage taker

was a confirmed member of the SURENOS gang from California.

Gang Activity

DPS CID – Corpus Christi seized narcotics and currency as a result of multiple ongoing

investigations targeting TEXAS SYNDICATE gang members in the Coastal Bend Sector.

Multiple arrests were made, including the following:

Jim Wells Co SO made a narcotic-based arrest on a self-admitted MEXICAN MAFIA gang

member in Alice, TX.

• Seizure of 5.07 lbs of cocaine. Agents observed what appeared to be a drug transaction

and made contact with the suspect who fled with one kilogram on his person, leaving a

second kilogram in the vehicle.

• Assisted by NCIS Corpus Christi and San Patricio Co SO,

seized 2.2 lbs of cocaine and $26, 215 USD after executing an

arrest warrant on a known TEXAS SYNDICATE associate.


Additional Information (cont)

THP – Brooks Co seized 40 lbs. of marijuana concealed inside the rocker panels of a 1999 Ford

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




Bundled marijuana behind rear seat

Bundled marijuana inside door panel

THP – Gonzales Co seized 127 lbs. of marijuana concealed inside the air cleaner, dashboard,

spare tire, rear seat and door panels of a 2001 Ford F-250. The driver was traveling from

Weslaco, TX, to Houston on IH-10 East.



Tampered fuel cell

Fuel gauge registers fuel after fuel

tank removed.

THP – Jim Wells Co seized 78.5 lbs. of marijuana concealed inside the fuel tank of a 1998

Mitsubishi Eclipse. The driver was traveling from Sullivan City, TX, to Houston on US-281N.


Bundles in gas tank




Aransas Co SO Deputies executed a search warrant at a trailer park in Aransas

Co where a methamphetamine lab was seized. Night vision binoculars were also

seized.Propane Tank Funnels

Tubing

pH test Strips

Acetate/Paint Thinner

pH indicator

Filters for removing impurities




RX bottle taped closed

contains heroin balloons

Aransas Co SO Deputies seized small amounts of Heroin packaged for distribution

concealed inside a RX bottle located inside a Saturn SUV.

McMullen Co SO Deputies seized 29 lbs of marijuana concealed inside the walls of

an ice chest inside of a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck traveling from Falcon

Heights, TX, to Dallas traveling north on SH-16.

DPS/CID Corpus Christi, in a joint investigation with ICE and assisted by ATF, US Marshall’s Office,

and Kingsville PD, seized $23,500 USD, one lb of marijuana, a small amount of cocaine, two rifles,

and two handguns, as a result of a cocaine role reversal operation that took place at the suspect’s

business.


USBP, assisted by DPS AVN 103,

searched for a group of suspects in the

vicinity of Falfurrias, TX, Eleven

undocumented aliens were detained.

DPS AVN 103 also detected a grass fire in Brooks Co that was burning out of

control. The Brooks Co SO was notified. Several residences were saved due to the

efforts of the firefighters being guided by the flight crew.



Coastal Bend JOIC’s Sector Assessment

Marijuana seizures increased slightly in the Coastal Bend Sector over the last

reporting period from 211.75 lbs to 278.47 lbs, while cocaine seizures have

increased from 0.44 lbs to 7.33 lbs. Four US currency seizures totaling, $51,330

USD, were reported in the Coastal Bend sector, a slight decrease from $58,640

USD last week. IA referrals, absconds and bailouts increased for the second week in a row.

US-281N and IH-10E were the locations of large marijuana seizures, while large currency

seizures took place at residential locations in Corpus Christi and Mathis, TX.

A review of the Falfurrias Checkpoint reports revealed that between 17 – 23 FEB 2011 there

were 7,349.05 lbs of marijuana and no cocaine seized at the checkpoint (US-281 North).

Four tanker trailer loads were seized attempting to conceal large loads of marijuana. One of

the loads was concealed in the air dam of the truck/tractor. One small load of marijuana was

removed from luggage on a commercial bus.

A review of the Sarita Checkpoint on US-77N indicated 356.9 lbs of marijuana was reported

seized. No cocaine was reported. Two commercial buses were used to conceal and transport

small loads of marijuana in luggage.

While the number of marijuana loads seized at the Falfurrias Checkpoint (13) increased

sharply from the last reporting period, only four of the seizures were large loads (3,668.8 lbs,

2,663 lbs, 308.85 lbs, 269.14 lbs.). The Sarita Checkpoint reported four marijuana seizures

with only one large load (275.80 lbs). Four marijuana seizures larger than personal use

amounts were reported in the Coastal Bend Sector (not counting the checkpoint cases), one

being a large load (127 lbs.). The Falfurrias and Sarita Checkpoints continue to be accurate

barometers in regards to seizure trends throughout the Coastal Bend sector.


THP [Carson Co.] –• 15 lbs of marijuana – trunk; San Francisco, CA to North Carolina.• 209 lbs of marijuana – duffle bags in trunk; Alamogordo, MX to Oklahoma City, OK.

THP [Montgomery Co.] –• 29 live marijuana plants – in bedroom of residence.

THP [Oldham Co.] –• 2.20 lbs of heroin & 52.90 lbs of marijuana – trunk; Phoenix, AZ to Detroit, MI.• 3.11 lbs of marijuana – side panels of trunk; Los Angeles, CA to Arlington, TX.• 68.50 lbs of marijuana & $10,000 USD – air tight container within tool box; San Rafael, CA to New York.• 34.15 lbs of marijuana & $69,900 USD – compartment under bed inside RV; Santa Rosa, CA to Miami, OK.• 27.46 lbs of marijuana – luggage inside trunk; Los Angeles, CA to Pleasant Hill, IL.

THP [Navarro Co.] –• 347 grams of ecstasy – passenger side kick panel; Huntsville, TX to Grand Prairie, TX.

THP [Wise Co.] –• 3.5 lbs of methamphetamine –trunk; Dallas, TX to Amarillo, TX.

THP [Smith Co.] –• 86.0 grams of crack cocaine –quarter panels; Mesquite, TX to Kilgore, TX.

CID [Fort Bend Co.] –• 237 lbs of marijuana – within wall of ambulance; McAllen, TX to Houston, TX.

THP [Waller Co.] –• $37,742 USD & 9.3 grams of marijuana – luggage; unknown to Laredo, TX.

THP [Delta Co.] –• 30 ecstasy tablets – submerged in drink cup in center console; Paris, TX to Dallas, TX.

THS [Titus Co.] –• $45,480 USD – trunk; O’Fallon, IL to Dallas, TX.

StatewideCorridorSeizures

THP [Dallam Co.] –• 1.0 lb of marijuana & 6.5 grams of cocaine – on top of spare tire in trunk; Austin, TX to Denver, CO.

THS [Gregg Co.] –• 455.0 grams of methamphetamine –inside dog food container; Dallas, TX to New Orleans, LA.


17 MAR 2011: THP Decatur, with the assistance of Bridgeport PD, conducted a traffic stop on a 2001

BMW 325 and arrested one suspect. The driver indicated to marijuana in the vehicle, and a consent to

search revealed 1.0 oz in the center console. Bridgeport’s K-9 Unit was called to the scene and alerted

to the trunk, resulting in the location of 3.1 lbs of methamphetamine concealed in a natural void. The

vehicle was traveling from Dallas, TX, to Amarillo, TX.



16 MAR 2011: THP Mt. Pleasant

conducted a traffic stop and

arrested one suspect driving a third

party rental vehicle (a 2011

Chevrolet Impala). A consent to

search was denied and the K-9 Unit

was called to the scene. Following

a positive alert to the vehicle, a

subsequent search revealed

$45,480 USD packaged and

concealed in a manner consistent

with narcotics smuggling. The

vehicle originated in O’Fallon, IL,

and was destined for Dallas, TX.

9 MAR 2011: THP Terrell conducted a traffic stop on a 1997 Honda Accord

and arrested one suspect. A consent to search revealed 31.5 grams of

methamphetamine inside the console and five loaded handguns on the

backseat. The suspect was traveling to Forney, TX, from Fort Worth, TX.



On 11 MAR 2011, an Alabama State Trooper stopped at 1999 Peterbilt

tractor pulling a 1996 Wabash trailer, both registered in Texas. The

TTST was traveling eastbound on IH-20 in Cleburne Co, AL. The

registered owner was not present, although he is a known drug

smuggler from Edinburg, TX. The driver, also a resident of Edinburg,

claimed to be en route to Winston-Salem, NC, from Edinburg. A

narcotics detector canine alert and consensual search revealed 1,403

lbs of marijuana co-mingled with the cargo of broccoli.

Ma

riju

an

aCONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


15 MAR 2011: THP Panhandle, with the assistance of CID Amarillo, conducted a

traffic stop on a 2003 Audi A4 and arrested two suspects. A consent to search

revealed 13 bundles of cocaine (totaling 32.53 lbs) concealed in a false

compartment built into the undercarriage of the vehicle. The cocaine was traveling

from Santa Monica, CA, to Chicago, IL.

19 MAR 2011: THP

Corsicana conducted a

traffic stop on a 2008 Dodge

Caliber and arrested one

suspect. Initially, driver

denied consent. The K-9

Unit was deployed and

alerted positive to 0.77 lbs

of Ecstasy located in the

passenger side kick panel.

The vehicle was traveling

from Huntsville, TX, to

Grand Prairie, TX.CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

Driver


18 MAR 2011: THP Longview, with the assistance of Gregg Co SO, conducted a traffic

stop on a 2011 Chevrolet HHR and arrested two suspects. A consent to search was

denied and the K-9 Unit was called to the scene. Following a positive free air search, a

probable cause search revealed one lb of methamphetamine inside a dog food holder.

The vehicle was traveling from Dallas, TX, and was destined for New Orleans, LA.



SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICOSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICO



Significant Events in Mexico

CD JUÁREZ – On 17 MAR 2011, a load of 979 lbs

of marijuana was found by members of the

Mexican Army hidden inside a railway tank car

that was parked in Cd. Juárez. The tank car

which arrived from Culiacan, Sinaloa, and was

bound for El Paso, TX, contained 42 large bundles

of marijuana. This is the second such case

discovered by military authorities in the last ten

days in Cd. Juárez.

http://puentelibre.mx/not_detalle.php?id_n=63349


Significant Events in Mexico (cont)

CD JUÁREZ – On 17 MAR 2011, a group of gunmen attacked

municipal police from the Delta Group, an elite response unit, in

the first engagement of the municipal police under the new

leadership of Juárez Police Chief Julian Leyzaola. One gunman

was shot and killed during the shootout in the streets of colonia

Valle Dorado. A stolen 9 mm pistol from the municipal police was

found near the body. Other gunmen managed to flee the scene

and abandoned a vehicle with blood stains found on the interior

in colonia Ampliación Aeropuerto.

Gunmen killed by police.

CD. JUÁREZ – On 22 MAR 2011, a man was

shot and killed by an undercover municipal

police officer after he robbed the Del Real

convenience store at knifepoint in colonia La

Perla. The man lunged at the undercover

officer and was shot.

CD. JUÁREZ – On 21 MAR 2011, the driver of a public bus of the

Valle de Juarez line was shot and killed in front of the passengers.

The homicide occurred near the intersection of Gómez Morín and

Clouhtier avenues. This is the fourth bus driver working the Juarez-

Porvenir routes killed since AUG 2010.


The number of daily homicides has decreased over the last two weeks, going from an average

eight a day down to five. This appears to coincide with the appointment of a new police chief in Cd.

Juárez. Also, the state and municipal governments have implemented a plan to register nearly

75,000 cars that have been driven without license plates and have been used extensively by

criminals. Additionally, the recent publicity about the use of unmanned surveillance aircraft over

Mexico and the influx of more US law enforcement agents into the area probably has had impact on

DTO operations. The chief of the municipal police, Julián Leyzaola Pérez, continues to re-align the

department structure to make better use of available assets. On 22 MAR 2011, he disbanded the

mounted police and K-9 divisions, citing poor performance. Approximately 40 officers from both

divisions will be transferred into the patrol division. Unemployment for Juárez is high at 7 percent,

compared to Mexico's national average of 5.4 percent. However, plants that furloughed employees

in 2008 and 2009 are now offering overtime as well as jobs.

There have been 31 DTO-related homicides

during this reporting period. Thus far, there

have been 117 killed in March, bringing the

total to 566 for the year.Figures as of 2400 hours 03/21/11

0

50

100

150

200

250

220229

117

DTO Related Deaths Juarez MX 2011

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun




“This message is for 1st Commander Aguilera, aka La Zorra, and 2nd Commander Roberto

Solares. If you don’t resign from your positions, one ministerial police officer will be killed each day

that you don't. This is only a warning. We know you are supporting El Chapo and those #$%&* that

work for him, Sincerely _________(La Linea)”.

CHIHUAHUA - On 20 MAR 2011, Municipal Police

Commander Aguilera survived an attack when gunmen

traveling in three vehicles opened fire on him and his

state police bodyguards. The attack left one officer

dead and another wounded in Ciudad Chihuahua,

Chihuahua. Hours later on the same day, graffiti messages directed at two Ministerial Police

Commanders were posted in multiple areas including Sixth Street, Juan Escutia Street, and the

installations of Aceros de Chihuahua. The graffiti messages read as follows:

CHIHUAHUA - On 21 MAR 2011, Police

Commander Jose Luis del Bosque Contreras,

assigned to the counternarcotics unit of the

Chihuahua state Attorney General’s Office, was

gunned down in front of his home in Cd.

Chihuahua, Chihuahua. According to witnesses,

the hitmen who carried out this attack were

traveling in a Contour vehicle and a Liberty van.



Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (PGR) released its figures for the month of

FEB that reflect cartel-directed operations conducted throughout the state of

Tamaulipas by the Mexican army and navy as well as federal, state and local

authorities. As a result of their large-scale operations, authorities seized more

than 23,500 lbs of marijuana and more than 225 lbs of cocaine. They also

reported the seizure of 222 psychotropic pills, 207 firearms, 51 grenades, and

more than 51,200 rds of ammo. During the various operations, authorities

arrested 137 suspects and seized 197 SUVs. Authorities also seized more than

$180,000 in MXN and more than $130,000 USD. Fourteen operations targeting

street-level narcotics trafficking led to the arrest of eight men and the seizure of

three lbs of marijuana, one SUV and three firearms.

Mexican authorities confirmed simultaneous grenade attacks on police stations in

Cd. Victoria and Cd Mante on 20 MAR 2011. Officials reported that an explosive

device was thrown at the city's traffic police building. No injuries were reported, but

city officials stated that there was damages. Another source stated that one officer

was hurt during a similar attack on police in Cd Victoria.

the roof enter the street near the soldiers. The gunmen opened fire on the soldiers

while attempting to flee. The soldiers managed to stop the vehicle and detained one

gunman and seized the vehicle, which had been reported stolen. Soldiers also seized

one long arm, eight magazines, 195 - 5.56 rds of ammo, and four hand grenades.

There were no reports of casualties or injuries.

Mexican soldiers in Reynosa were involved in a rolling firefight

with armed men in Las Fuentes Sección Lomas de Reynosa,

after soldiers observed a civilian vehicle with a gun mount on




CD. LEON – On 22 MAR 2011, Ministerial Federal Police

captured José Natividad Cortes Balcazar aka “El Teacher,”

leader of La Familia Michoacana in Leon, Guanajuato. Cortes

Balcazar was on Guanajuato Attorney General’s Office “most

wanted” list for charges of aggravated kidnapping and murder.

Despite controlling most of the state, Cortes Balcazar had

managed to keep a low profile.

MICHOACAN – On 17 MAR 2011, one week after the “Knights Templar” vowed

to protect Michoacan from extortions, thieves, kidnappers, and rival cartels,

Mexican authorities discovered their first victim hanging from a bridge over the

Pátzcuaro-Morelia highway in Michoacan. The victim had a hand written

message around his neck which read:

“We killed him for being a thief and a kidnapper. Signed: Knights Templar (Los

Caballeros Templarios)

Last week’s banners signed by the previously unknown of “Knights Templar”

were found in Morelia and Apatsingán. The messages were very similar to those

used by La Familia Michoacana, which announced its alleged breakup in

January.

ANALYST NOTE: The historical Knights Templar were founded in the early 12th century in the Middle East. Their

primary task was to protect Christian pilgrims traveling in the Holy Land from bandits. The Templars were the first

Order of warrior monks: taking up both the mantle of religious life as well as the sword. Considering La Familia’s

pseudo religious ideology, the organization possibly wants to draw parallels between themselves and the historic

Knights Templar to win over the support of the people of Michoacan.


Significant events In Mexico (cont)

Authorities also seized 500 kilos of cocaine and $500,000 USD. The others arrested were identified

as Luis Roberto García Fierro, Jorge Guillermo González Cárdenas, alias "El Ingeniero," Rodrigo

Colmenares y Sánchez y Soto, Eli Romano Darwish, Francisco Xavier Colmenares y Sánchez y

Soto, Jorge Guillermo González Guerra, Armando Medina Quintero and José Daniel Espinosa

Caballero. According to Pequeño, all of the men are considered suspects in drug trafficking, money

laundering and organized crime. A federal official said the intelligence work which resulted in the

arrests began in mid-2009 with the exchange of information between Mexico and the National

Police of Ecuador.

During Operation Beehive that began 18 MAR 2011, Mexican authorities

captured eight drug traffickers belonging to Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El

Chapo" Guzman's organization, including Victor Manuel Felix Felix, alias

"El Senor" who is presumed to be Guzman's relative and confidant. Felix

worked for the Sinaloa cartel and was the leader of a financial network.

Felix is believed to be Chapo's "consuegro" -- a Spanish word for the

father-in-law of one's son or daughter. Felix managed illicit operations with

resources from money laundering in Ecuador and Colombia. Eight other

individuals were also detained.

On 20 MAR 2011, Arturo Jose Iniguez, a 26-year-old Cameron Co prosecutor, was

found dead in Matamoros, MX, across the border from Brownsville, TX. Cameron

Co DA Armando Villalobos stated that the circumstances of the death of Assistant

Iniguez are still under investigation. "The information we have at this point is that no

weapon was used," DA Villalobos said in a written statement to the Brownsville

Herald, addressing unconfirmed reports that the death might have been a suicide.


UPDATES & ASSESSMENT

OPERATION BORDER STAR


OBS Weekly Assessment

Marijuana seizures significantly decreased from 40,569.39 lbs last week to 28,778.28 lbs this

week. The largest single seizure occurred at the Pharr POE in the Rio Grande Valley Sector of

2,449 lbs of marijuana in the floor of a tractor trailer co-mingled with limes. Since the end of JAN,

there have been eight seizures observed in the RGV and Coastal Bend Sectors of marijuana co-

mingled with produce and five involving limes in tractor trailer loads. The total estimated street

value for reported marijuana seizures during this reporting period is $25.3 million.

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Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Marijuana (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

59,987.79

24,579.35

40,569.39

28,778.28

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

Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View

Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average


OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)

Since DEC 2010, there have been four incidences of concealing narcotics in drive shafts in the

Laredo and Coastal Bend Sectors. Two incidences occurred in Victoria Co, TX, and the others at

the Lincoln Juárez Bridge in Laredo, TX. The vehicles utilized were Ford F-150, Ford F-250, and a

Chevrolet 2500.

Date Location Seizure

12/23/2010 Victoria Co. on US-59N to Houston via a 2007 Ford F-150 4.6 lbs of cocaine

02/18/2011 Victoria Co. on US-59N to Houston via a 1999 Ford F-150 7.6 lbs methamphetamineand 5.4 lbs of cocaine

02/22/2011 Lincoln Juárez Bridge in Laredo, TX via 2005 Ford F-250 13.78 lbs of cocaine

03/18/2011 Lincoln Juárez Bridge in Laredo, TX via 2004 Chevrolet 2500 12.23 lbs of marijuana

18 MAR 2011

23 DEC 2010

18 FEB 2011

22 FEB 2011



Cocaine seizures significantly increased from last week’s total, from 112.26 lbs last week to

435.22 lbs this week. The largest seizure occurred in the Marfa Sector with 160.44 lbs in a duffle

bag from a tractor trailer at the Sierra Blanca Checkpoint. Hidalgo PD conducted a traffic stop on a

1997 Mitsubishi Montero in Hidalgo resulting in the seizure of ten elongated rectangular bundles

wrapped in brown tape containing 122.3 lbs of cocaine. The total estimated street value for reported

cocaine seizures totaled $14.4 million.

Heroin and methamphetamine seizures for this week’s reporting period

total .01 lbs and 18.3 lbs, respectively. CBP Officers from the Anzaldua

POE seized 6.48 lbs of methamphetamine concealed in the engine

compartment from a 2003 Toyota 4-Runner.

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Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Cocaine (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

229.50 277.06

112.26

435.22

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

Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View

Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average



Date Location Seizure

12/13/2010 Laredo POE via Ford F-150 Van 27.4 lbs liquid meth in Heineken mini kegs

12/15/2010 Laredo POE via taxi 38.6 lbs liquid meth in Heineken mini kegs

01/11/2011 Laredo POE via Mexican taxi 32.52 lbs liquid meth in Heineken mini kegs

01/17/2011 Brownsville POE via bicycle Six liters of liquid crystal meth in 1.2 Victoria

beer bottles

01/20/2011 Laredo POE via a private vehicle Six liters liquid cocaine in one liter Corona beer

bottles

02/11/2011 Laredo POE via a 2001 Ford F-150 37.17 lbs of liquid cocaine in liter Corona beer

bottles

03/19/2011 Hidalgo POE via 1993 Pontiac Mini

Van

14.4 liters of liquid methamphetamine

concealed in Corona beer bottles.

03/21/2011 Hidalgo POE via taxi with Mexican

plates

Two - One liter liquor bottles filled with liquid

Phencyclidine (PCP) Type of bottle currently unknown

Since the middle of DEC 2010, there continues to be a trend of

contraband smuggled in liquid form. There have been eight

seizures of liquid cocaine, methamphetamine, and Phencyclidine

(PCP). All seizures involve bottles and mini kegs of brand name

beers. Five of the eight seizures occurred at the Laredo POE,

but the most recent incidences occurred at the Hidalgo POE in

the Rio Grande Valley Sector.




Bulk currency seizures increased significantly from $120,007 USD for last week to $453,935 USD

this week. The largest single seizure of $156,974 USD occurred at the Sierra Blanca Checkpoint in

the Marfa Sector in tractor trailer smuggling an uncommon combination of marijuana, currency,

cocaine, promethazine with codeine, one handgun, and ammo.

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

and the criminal networks that support them of approximately $40.5 million.

Illegal alien apprehensions increased from last week from 2,731 to 2,891. This week continued

the high trend of OTMs from 437 last week to 493 this week. According to this week’s Department

of Homeland Security State of the Border report, 61% of OTM apprehensions occur on the Texas-

Mexico border, in addition to 55% of Aliens from Special Interest Countries (ASIC) apprehensions.

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Currency Seizures ($) Long-Term View

Currency Seizures (USD) Long-Term Trendline

902,484

2,145,520

120,007

453,935

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

Currency Seizures ($) Short-Term View

Last 4 Weeks


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.

mailto:[email protected]

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