134671_110325 bosa
TRANSCRIPT
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
EL PASO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR16 – 22 MAR 2011
EL P
AS
O
H U
D S P
E T H
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
116.29 lbs of marijuana
1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
Concealed: Metal Containers
17 MAR 2011
12.26 lbs of marijuana
1990 Jeep Cherokee
Concealed: Non-factory
compartment above
the radiator
18 MAR 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
43.5 pounds marijuana
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
CBP-OFO Officers at the Columbus, NM, POE seized:
16 MAR 2011
19.84 lbs of marijuana
2000 GMC Yukon
Concealed: Quarter Panels
and center console
CBP-OFO Officers at the Santa Teresa, NM, POE seized:
16 MAR 2011
83.77 lbs of marijuana
2008 Volkswagen
Concealed: Rocker panels and
front bumper
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
CBP-OFO Officers at Bridge of Americas POE seized:
17.37 lbs of marijuana
1996 Nissan Sentra
Concealed: Spare tire
17 MAR 2011
57.65 lbs of marijuana
1999 Pontiac Grand AM
Concealed: Fuel tank
17 MAR 2011
18 MAR 2011
14.73 lbs of marijuana
1999 Ford Aspire
Concealed: Front Bumper
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
43.5 pounds marijuana
Additional information (cont)
CBP-OFO Officers at the Ysleta POE seized:
17 MAR 2011
15.3 lbs of marijuana
2001 Jeep Cherokee
Concealed: Firewall
18 MAR 2011
51.15 lbs of marijuana
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
• 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
Additional information (cont)
El Paso DPS CID Agents:
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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%
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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)
From 1/12 – 1/18 (178 apprehensions)
From 1/19 – 1/25 (243 apprehensions)
From 1/26 – 2/01 (205 apprehensions)
From 2/02 – 2/09 (140 apprehensions)
From 2/10 – 2/15 (256 apprehensions)
From 2/16 – 2/22 (186 apprehensions)
From 2/23 – 3/01 (311 apprehensions)
From 3/02 – 3/08 (340 apprehensions)
From 3/09 – 3/16 (234 apprehensions)
From 3/16 – 3/22 (351 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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Marfa SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:
Absconds 0
Bailouts 0
Criminal Arrests 127
Fugitive Arrests 2
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 0
Pursuits 0
Scouts/Decoys 0
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
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
Methamphetamine 1.8 lbs
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
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 0
Recovered 2
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Marfa Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
Luggage in sleeper compartment
CocaineCocaine
Promethazine
bottles Marijuana
2010 Volvo tractor trailerUS currency
.45 cal. handgun
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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).
Additional information (cont)
1111EL
PA
SO C
OU
NTY
N
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
DEL RIO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR16 – 22 MAR 2011
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS
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
Full Map/Table of Contents
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Del Rio SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:
Absconds 36
Bailouts 14
Criminal Arrests 10
Fugitive Arrests 14
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 2
Pursuits 3
Scouts/Decoys 1
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 8
IAs/USBP 405
OTMs 38
OTM Countries
El Salvador 12
Guatemala 4
Honduras 19
Nicaragua 2
Dominican Republic 1
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 595.52 lbs
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
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 0
Recovered 13
Southbound
Weapons
Handgun(s) 3
Long Gun(s) 4
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Del Rio Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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:
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
LAREDO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR16 – 22 MAR 2011
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS
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
Full Map/Table of Contents
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Laredo SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:
Absconds 29
Bailouts 6
Criminal Arrests 9
Fugitive Arrests 1
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 3
Pursuits 7
Scouts/Decoys 0
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
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
Marijuana 1,111.43 lbs
Cocaine 0.015 lbs
Heroin 0.004 lbs
Methamphetamine 15.4 lbs
Currency $0
OtherRoche – 190 Pills,
Cyclobenzaprine – 283 Pills
Weapons
Handgun(s) 0
Long Gun(s) 0
Explosive(s) 0
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 4
Recovered 3
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Laredo Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
Additional information
1
2
4
3 USBP Checkpoint
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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:
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information
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:
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS
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
Full Map/Table of Contents
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Rio Grande Valley SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:
Absconds 7
Bailouts 4
Criminal Arrests 55
Fugitive Arrests 8
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 51
Pursuits 6
Scouts/Decoys 0
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 37
IAs/USBP 1,088
OTMs 493
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 23,547.54 lbs
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
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 2
Recovered 2
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Rio Grande Valley Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)Continued from previous page.
Mexican Military Responding to the scene.
Loading bundles in Texas.
Unloading in
Mexico.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
• 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:
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
• 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.
Additional information (cont)
CBP Officers at Pharr POE inspected:
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
• 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.
Additional information (cont)
• 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:
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
USBP Agents:
Additional information (cont)
• 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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
• 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.
Additional information (cont)
A THP Trooper:
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
COASTAL BEND UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR16 – 22 MAR 2011
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS
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
Full Map/Table of Contents
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Coastal Bend SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:
Absconds 36
Bailouts 10
Criminal Arrests 248
Fugitive Arrests 151
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 4
Pursuits 5
Scouts/Decoys 0
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 33
IAs/USBP 11
OTMs 1
OTM Countries Honduras 1
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 278.47 lbs
Cocaine 7.33 lbs
Heroin 0.002 lbs
Methamphetamine 0.03 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
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 2
Recovered 9
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Coastal Bend Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional Information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional Information (cont)
Bundles in gas tank
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional Information (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
Additional information (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED 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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICOSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICO
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
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200
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220229
117
DTO Related Deaths Juarez MX 2011
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
“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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
UPDATES & ASSESSMENT
OPERATION BORDER STAR
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
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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
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
4-Mar-11 11-Mar-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11
Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View
Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)
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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300
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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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)
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.
$0
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$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
$8,000,000
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ug-
10
2-S
ep-1
0
2-O
ct-1
0
2-N
ov-
10
2-D
ec-1
0
2-J
an-1
1
2-F
eb-1
1
2-M
ar-1
1
Currency Seizures ($) Long-Term View
Currency Seizures (USD) Long-Term Trendline
902,484
2,145,520
120,007
453,935
0.00
500,000.00
1,000,000.00
1,500,000.00
2,000,000.00
2,500,000.00
4-Mar-11 11-Mar-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11
Currency Seizures ($) Short-Term View
Last 4 Weeks
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTERTEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
[email protected] Duty Phone: 512-424-7351; 7034
Fax: 512-424-7041
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