dedicated to the men, women and children who lost their ... sept 2011 b… · dedicated to the men,...

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.

Reporting Period: 31 AUG – 06 SEPT 2011

Dedicated to the men, women and children who lost their lives on 9-11-2001, and to the heroes who selflessly responded.

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Photos from Time Magazine , Houston Chronicle and Washington Post

September 11, 2011 – Terrorist Attacks



Key Events and Findings

• The largest single marijuana seizure occurred in the Coastal Bend Sector where THP Victoria Co

seized 7,480 lbs of marijuana concealed in a semi tanker trailer towed by a 2007 Freightliner tractor

truck traveling on US-59N from Pharr, TX, to Houston, TX. (pg. 72)

• The largest single currency seizure occurred in the Laredo Sector where CBP Officers from the

Hidalgo POE seized $824,980 USD concealed in the vehicle quarter panels in a 1999 Ford Escort

with Mexican license plates. (pg. 50)

• In the Laredo Sector, USBP Laredo North Agents at the IH-35 Checkpoint seized 44.6 lbs of

methamphetamine from the trunk of a white 1984 Pontiac Fiero. (pg. 44)

• Corpus Christi PD and ATF Agents seized 98 AK-47 assault rifles, parts, and manufacturing materials

for additional rifles at a residence in Corpus Christi, TX. (pg. 71)

• Pharr PD Officers at the Pharr International Bridge inspected two Cargo trucks traveling south into

Mexico and discovered 50 Kevlar military-style helmets, 102 ballistic plates for body armor and 50 riot

gear-type body armor suits. (pg. 51)

• On 02 SEPT 2011, Mexican officials claim that the former No.2 of the Reynosa Plaza, Mario Armando

Ramirez Trevino, aka ‖X-20‖ and ―Pelón,‖ has been named the cartel’s new plaza boss for Reynosa,

replacing the recently deceased Samuel ―Metro-3‖ Flores Borrego. (pg. 80)

• The Mexican Navy broke up a sophisticated communications network used by Los Zetas in the

eastern state of Veracruz. Forces seized high-tech communication equipment that included mobile

radio transmitters, sophisticated frequency radios, high-end antennas and digital equipment for

transmitting encrypted messages. (pg. 80)

• Two USCs were kidnapped in Mexico by drug cartel members after being lured across the Texas-

Mexico border. Family members paid the $50,000 USD ransom. Both subjects were found by DPS

Aviation severely beaten in a rural area of Maverick Co. (pg. 33)


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. 06-22

Marfa Sector

p. 23-27

Del Rio Sector

p. 28-37

Laredo Sector

p. 38-46Rio Grande

Valley Sector

p. 47-64

Coastal Bend

Sector

p. 65-73

Statewide Corridor Seizures

p. 74-78

Overall Assessment

p. 91-98

Sig. Mexico Events

p. 79-90


Operation BORDER STAR 31 AUG – 06 SEPT 2011



EL PASO H U D S P E T H


UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS

Horizon City PD

Ysleta Del Sur Tribal PD

El Paso ISD PD

University of Texas El Paso PD

El Paso Community College PD

El Paso Office of Emergency

Management

Texas Tech University PD

Texas Comptroller of Public

Accounts

Texas Attorney General, El Paso

Union Pacific Railroad PD

Texas Alcoholic 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

N E W M E X I C O


El Paso SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds --

Bailouts --

Criminal Arrests 62

Fugitive Arrests 46

Gang Related Criminal Arrests 3

Pursuits 1

Scouts/Decoys --

Illegal Alien Apprehensions

IAs/Referrals --

IAs/USBP 191

OTMs 26

OTM Countries

El Salvador 11

Guatemala 8

Costa Rica 2

Honduras 2

Ecuador 2

Romania 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 1,316.25 lbs

Cocaine 56.86 lbs

Heroin 0.01 lbs

Methamphetamine --

Currency --

Other --

Weapons

Handgun(s) 1

Long Gun(s) --

Explosive(s) --

Vehicles Stolen / Recovered

Stolen 5

Recovered 14


El Paso SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$0 $0

$1,694

$0$0

$200

$400

$600

$800

$1,000

$1,200

$1,400

$1,600

$1,800

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Currency Seizures

1,318.02

2,599.79

1,836.80

1,316.25

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Marijuana Seizures

0.06

31.17

0.18

56.86

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

El Paso UC Cocaine Seizures

160

166

176

191

140

145

150

155

160

165

170

175

180

185

190

195

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

El Paso UC Illegal Aliens


Four gang-related incidents were reported during this reporting period involving five arrests of members

from five different gangs. There were three criminal arrests and two fugitive arrests. The incidents

involved: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Attempt to Disarm a Police Officer, Interfering With Public

Duties, Resisting Arrest, Evading Arrest / Detention, and Possession of Marijuana.

Folk Bloods Barrio Azteca Bud Smokers Only Just Vandalizing Shit

Gang activity for the week of 01 September 2011 thru 08 September 2011

The Barrio Azteca is probably El Paso’s most

infamous and troublesome gang. Its roots are in the

jail system, and its multiple areas of criminal

activities have spread onto the streets. Their main

identifiers are the Aztec symbols and the letters

―BA,‖ or the numbers ―21,‖ in which the 2 and the 1

represent the letters ―B‖ and ―A.‖ The El Paso PD

gang database shows approximately 857 confirmed

members.

Roman Numeral 21

21 on Sombrero

2 Feathers with 1 Feather


On 28 AUG 2011, an El Paso THP Trooper was informed of a

reported stolen vehicle abandoned in northeast El Paso. The

vehicle appeared to have been vandalized, and racial slurs

were scratched onto the vehicle. DPS CID assisted with

the investigation and with an interview of the owner of

the vehicle, who is active duty military, and who self

admitted to being a previous member of the BLOODS

gang in Houston. Due to deception suspected in the

owners’ story, the vehicle was inspected further. Blood

evidence was located on the hood of the vehicle and it

appeared the vehicle had possibly struck a person. An

investigation continues by the El Paso PD, the Texas

Rangers, and DPS CID. Further investigation revealed

that Wilkins is on active duty with the US Army stationed

at Fort Bliss, TX. Wilkins’ Facebook account depicts photos

of his affiliation with the BLOODS gang. Additionally, some

photos have been featured in ―EPNightlife.com‖

(Internet social networking site) flashing gang signs.

Gang Information (UPDATE)

Wilkins, Treavon R.

DOB: 05/30/1987


Juvenile Blue Cards and schools involved for the month of August 2011School District School Gang # of Incidents

El Paso ISD

Chapin HS Brown City Gangsters 1

Franklin HS Sur 13 1

Irvin HS Crips 2

Socorro ISD El Dorado HSMexican Crazy Klicka 3

Sur 13 2

Ysleta ISD Hanks HS Sur 13 1

There were 37 gang blue cards turned into the El Paso PD gang unit for the month of August. Ten juvenile gang members, from four differentgangs were documented. The listed juveniles were attending five public schools, all high schools.

Information based on number of “Blue Cards” turned into the El Paso PD Gang Unit and is current as of 07 SEPT 2011.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG

Total Number of Active Gangs 228 228 228 231 235 236 236 237

Number of Gang Members 3,660 3,660 3,666 3,663 3,667 3,667 3,673 3,677

Number of Juveniles 206 199 185 169 162 150 144 126

Number of Females 286 286 286 286 286 286 287 287

Number of Males 3,168 3,175 3,190 3,208 3,219 3,231 3,242 3,264

GANG Call-Outs to Date 2011 4 5 5 7 7 7 8 11

GANG Call-Outs Cleared by Arrest 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 8

Number of GANG Arrests (YTD) 7 7 7 11 11 11 13 19

Number of Drive-Bys from Jan 1 to Date 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Number of Cases received by Gang Unit to Date 71 157 157 303 349 428 492 561

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000Total Number of Active Gangs

Number of Gang Members

Number of Juveniles

Number of Females

Number of Males

GANG Call-Outs to Date 2011

GANG Call-Outs Cleared by Arrest

Number of GANG Arrests (YTD)

Number of Drive-Bys from Jan 1 to Date

Number of Cases received by Gang Unit to Date


Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP)The El Paso County SHOCAP Task Force entails officers from various law enforcement agencies and the El Paso County Attorney’s office. There are currently 52 juveniles in the SHOCAP program with 43 listed as gang members attending 23 public schools. The following is a breakdown of

the gang members enrolled in a public school and what gang they belong to. Current as of 02 August 2011.

School District School Gang

El Paso ISD

Delta AcademyVarrio Gatos Locos, Segundo Barrio Kings, Hoova Crips, Valley Side Mobsters, Varrio Hacienda

Heights

El Paso High One Deuce Click

Burges High School Varrio San Juan

Austin High School Varrio Glenwood Street, Central Side Locos

Andress High School Black Out or North Side

Chapin High School Brown City Gangsters, Barrio San Chuco

Henderson Middle School West Side Nation

Canyon Hills Middle School Most Realist Krew

Lafarelle Middle School Three Six Mafia, Brown City Gang

Canutillo ISD Canutillo High Barrio Los Compadres

Socorro ISD

Socorro High School Barrio Campestre Locos, Bloods

Montwood High School Varrio Chuco Trece

Keys Academy Thug Nation Soldier, Latin Kings, Original Gangster Pride

Walter Clarke Middle School Original Gangster Pride

Ysleta ISD

Parkland High Varrio North East

Ysleta High Los Midnite Locos

Bel Air High Brothers For Life, Can’t Be Stopped

Riverside High School Time For Crime

Hanks High Varrio Hacienda Heights

Del Valle High School Original Street Kings

Tejas Academy Varrio North East

Fabens ISDFabens High Barrio Fabens Locos

Fabens Middle School Barrio Fabens Locos

Information courtesy of The El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department SHOCAP Unit


30 AUG 2011

39.2 lbs of marijuana

1999 Ford pickup

01 SEPT 2011


1998 Ford F-150



02 SEPT 2011


2003 Ford Taurus

03 SEPT 2011


2005 Dodge RamGas Tank and

Quarter Panels

03 SEPT 2011


1993 Dodge Intrepid



30 AUG 2011

114 lbs of marijuana

2011 Ford Expedition

30 AUG 2011


1997 Chrysler Concord

01 SEPT 2011


1998 Pontiac Firebird


02 SEPT 2011


1998 Chevrolet pickup

06 SEPT 2011


2003 Dodge Durango



05 SEP 2011 – Antelope Wells, NM POE


Concealment: Rear seat, truck bed, and cabin floor

1997 Chevy 2500

05 SEP 2011 – Columbus, NM POE


Concealment: Dash air vent system

1996 Ford F-150



On 30 AUG 2011, CBP-OFO Officers at the Paso del Norte POE seized 52.58 lbs of cocaine

that was concealed underneath the rear seat of a 1998 Volkswagen.

For the week ending 3 SEP 2011, the Border Auto Theft Information Center (BATIC) received

3,891 inquiries/callers requesting information on suspicious vehicles. The BATIC Specialists

responded affirmatively to 50 of these calls with stolen vehicle information being forwarded

to the requesting officers. For the week, 10 vehicles were returned back to the US with a

property value calculated at $70,675 USD.

On 31 AUG 2011, DPS CID Agents recovered 14 stolen vehicles from Mexico.

The property value of the vehicles recovered was set at $251,175 USD.



Additional Information (cont)

On 1 SEP 2011, El Paso PD Officers were dispatched to the Bridge of the America

POE in reference a subject being detained with two stolen dirt bikes. The Officers

made contact with CBP Agents and verified that the dirt bikes were stolen. While

conducting the investigation, El Paso PD Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF) Detectives

learned that Aaron Sanchez had come from Aurora, CO, and had been paid to bring

the dirt bikes to Mexico. Sanchez stated that when he attempted to enter Mexico,

the Mexican customs inspector in Juarez told him that he had to pay a $100 USD

bribe to take the vehicles into Mexico. Sanchez stated he did not have the money

and was forced to return to the US. Upon entering the US, the dirt bikes were

identified as stolen. Sanchez was placed under arrest for Theft of Property Over

$1,500-Under $20,000 and booked into the El Paso Co Detention Facility.

Aaron Sanchez

DOB: 02/17/1993

STOLEN DIRT BIKES

Red 1997 Honda XR 200

Blue 1999 Yamaha YZF400

On 02 SEP 2011, THP Troopers

were assisted by DPS Air 149 during

a vehicle pursuit. The Aircrew

located a fleeing motorcycle and

relayed the location to ground units.

The driver eventually pulled over

and was arrested for Evading Arrest.


On 30 AUG 2011, DHS Investigators and ATF Agents, with assistance

from US Marshals, USBP and CBP Agents, ICE Agents, New Mexico

State Police Officers, Dona Ana SO Deputies, and Las Cruces PD

Officers, raided two locations of New Deal Shooting Sports in Deming

and Las Cruces, NM, and arrested four subjects. The subjects were

charged with a total of 30 counts of conspiring to smuggle firearms,

making false statements to the ATF, firearms smuggling, and money

laundering from APR 2010 to JUL 2011.

Ryin

Reese (24)

Remington

Reese (19)Rick

Reese (55)

Helicopters and armored personnel

carriers assisted in the Deming raid,

while federal agents searched the

subject’s barbed-wire-fortified

compound south of Deming. The

Agents found several military-style

vehicles, and a bunker that was used

to store weapons and ammo under

the compound.

The subjects, Rick Reese, Ryin Reese, and Remington

Reese sold 18 firearms to a straw purchaser in JUL

2010, and then sold a total of 16 firearms and 7,000 rds

of ammo to undercover agents from APR to JUL 2011.

The subjects repackaged the weapons and ammo into

canvas bags, and then assisted in providing false

information on ATF firearms transaction records.

WEAPONS SMUGGLINGDeming Compound



El Paso Unified Command Sector Assessment

City-wide index crime continues to show a decrease

rate of 7% as compared to the same time frame last

year. There is a 650% increase (13) in murders, a

31% increase (39) in sexual assaults, a 3% decrease

(11) in robberies, a 4% decrease (282) in assaults, a

8% decrease (99) in burglary, a 10% decrease (994)

in larceny, a 16% decrease (172) in vehicle theft, and

a 2% decrease (43) in vehicle burglary.

Citywide (YTD through Sep 3rd, 2011)

Offense 2010 2011 % Change

Murder 2 15 650%

Sexual Aslt 125 164 31%

Robbery 319 308 -3%

Aslt 7,916 7,634 -4%

Burglary 1,306 1,207 -8%

Larceny 9,605 8,611 -10%

Veh Theft 1,087 915 -16%

*Burg Vehicle 1,765 1,722 -2%

Total: 20,360 18,854 -7%

*** Crime Rate: 3,158 2,925 -7%

Murder, 2

Sexual Aslt, 125

Robbery, 319

Aslt, 7,916

Burglary, 1,306

Larceny , 9,605

Veh Theft, 1,087

*Burg Vehicle , 1,765

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City Wide for week ending 03 SEP 2010

Murder, 15

Sexual Aslt, 164

Robbery, 308

Aslt, 7,634

Burglary, 1,207

Larceny , 8,611

Veh Theft, 915

*Burg Vehicle , 1,722

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City Wide for week ending 03 SEP 2011


In comparison to last week’s reporting period, the El Paso Sector experienced a decrease in the seizure of

marijuana, methamphetamine and currency, as well as a marked increase in the seizure of cocaine and a

minimal increase in heroin. There was a decrease in the number of reported stolen vehicles and an

increase of recovered stolen vehicles, as reported by El Paso PD and/or El Paso Co SO.

Of the total 1,308 lbs of marijuana seized at the POEs: 466 lbs was seized at the Bridge of the Americas

(BOTA) POE, 131 lbs at the Ysleta POE, 76 lbs at the Paso Del Norte POE (PDN), 0 at Fabens POE, 0 at

Santa Teresa POE, and 633 lbs in the Lordsburg area. There were 16 reported marijuana seizures across

the POEs and one cocaine seizure at PDN of 52.58 lbs. Lordsburg AO reported one cocaine seizure of

1.14 lbs.

The predominate concealment methods for marijuana during this reporting period were the use of vehicle

fuel tanks (5), truck beds (3), dashboards (2), vehicle seats (2), and one each of the following; vehicle

door, tire, intake manifold and firewall. Additionally there were two seizures involving body carriers.

The El Paso PD reported 11 marijuana seizures totaling 8 lbs and five cocaine seizures totaling 0.687 lbs.

El Paso SO reported one cocaine seizure of 2.35 lbs.

During this reporting period, 191 IAs were apprehended. IA apprehensions increased by 15 from the

previous week’s 176. Total reported IA apprehensions within the El Paso Sector from 5 JAN through

06 SEP 2011 were 7,644 with 533 being Other Than Mexican (OTM).

El Paso Unified Command Sector Assessment

Leading IA OTM’s from 5 Jan to date:

Guatemala 141

Honduras 92

El Salvador 90

Brazil 54

India 29

811

2 2 2 10

2

4

6

8

10

12

GUATE ELSAL COSTA HONDU ECUAD ROMAN

OTM Apprehensions 31 AUG through 06 SEP


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

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


Marfa SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 9

Bailouts --

Criminal Arrests 66

Fugitive Arrests 1

Gang Related Criminal Arrests --

Pursuits --

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 3

IAs/USBP 49

OTMs 2

OTM CountriesEl Salvador 1

Philippines 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 14.24 lbs

Cocaine --

Heroin --

Methamphetamine --

Currency $10,940

Other

Hashish 0.375 lbs,

3 – Ecstacy Pills,

2 – Morphine Tablets,

Psilocybin mushrooms .01

Weapons

Handgun(s) --

Long Gun(s) --

Explosive(s) --


Stolen --

Recovered --


Marfa SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$0 $0

$12,120

$10,940

$0

$2,000

$4,000

$6,000

$8,000

$10,000

$12,000

$14,000

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Marfa UC Currency Seizures

444.39

779.89

1,428.79

14.240.00

200.00

400.00

600.00

800.00

1,000.00

1,200.00

1,400.00

1,600.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ized

Marfa UC Marijuana Seizures

14.55

0.00 0.01 0.000.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Marfa UC Cocaine Seizures

48

54

38

49

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Marfa UC Illegal Aliens


Eight Deputies from Hudspeth Co SO held southbound operations on four

main highways in Hudspeth County.

Southbound Operations

Additional information

A Pecos Co SO Deputy conducted a traffic stop in Fort Stockton, TX. A

subsequent search revealed a six inch hollow bolt and an empty packet of

Cloud 9 Potpourri. The inside of the bolt cavity contained another empty

potpourri packet. The subject was issued a citation and is pending other criminal

charges. Cloud 9 Potpourri is one of several brands of synthetic marijuana

substitutes, which were outlawed in Texas in APR 2011.

Packaging is consistent with

synthetic marijuana substitutes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_62.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_180.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Texas_20.svg


Total weight of marijuana seized this week decreased by 99% compared to last week. The largest

seizure of marijuana was 6.1 lbs at the US-385 checkpoint five miles south of Marathon, TX in

Brewster Co. The second largest seizure, 3.03 lbs, was seized at the Sierra Blanca Checkpoint in

Hudspeth Co.

There were no seizures of cocaine this week.

There were no seizures of methamphetamine.

Seizures of hashish remained steady this week totaling 0.375 lbs.

There were no weapons seized this week.

IA apprehensions increased this week to 49 arrests, compared to last week’s 38.

Criminal arrests increased this week with 66 arrests, an increase over last week’s 50.

Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment


V A L V E R D E

U V A L D E

R E A L

M A V E R I C K

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



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

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



Del Rio SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 13

Bailouts 3

Criminal Arrests 15

Fugitive Arrests 12

Gang Related Criminal Arrests --

Pursuits 2

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 2

IAs/USBP 289

OTMs 141

OTM Countries

El Salvador 25

Guatemala 30

Honduras 79

Nicaragua 5

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine --

Heroin --

Methamphetamine --

Currency --

Other

987 magazines :841 - 30 rd .223 cal,35 - 40 rd .223 cal, 32 - 10 rd .223 cal,

79 - 30 rd AK-47

Weapons

Handgun(s) 1

Long Gun(s) 12

Ammunition --


Stolen --

Recovered 3


Del Rio Sector

The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$0

$7,950

$0 $0$0

$1,000

$2,000

$3,000

$4,000

$5,000

$6,000

$7,000

$8,000

$9,000

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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1,432.16

1,842.38

690.39

2,854.37

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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283.94

36.42

0.00 0.000.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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Del Rio UC Cocaine Seizures

299

235

272289

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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Del Rio UC Illegal Aliens


06 SEP: USBP Agents, CPB-OFO Officers, Maverick Co SO Deputies and assisted by

THP Troopers working Southbound Operations at Eagle Pass POE #2, Maverick Co,

received information from ICE that a 1989 Chevrolet Silverado, bearing MX plates,

would be used in an attempt to smuggle weapons. A vehicle matching the description

approached the POE, and was referred to the Outbound Operations inspection area.

The vehicle was carrying a white refrigerator wrapped in cellophane, and a water

Southbound operations:

CBP-OFO, USBP, Maverick Co SO and Val Verde

Co SO are conducting Operation OUTBOUND.

heater. Within the refrigerator, the ATCET team, along with Agents and Deputies, discovered 12 rifles,

including six AK-47s, five M-4/AR-15s, and one M-16. In addition, a total of 987 magazines (841 - 30

rd .223 cal, 35 - 40 rd .223 cal, 32 - 10 rd .223 cal, 79 - 30 rd AK-47) were found. The lone female

subject in the vehicle was of MX citizenship and was placed under arrest. The subject, weapons,

magazines, and vehicle were turned over to ICE/ATF.

Gang activity:

• 31 AUG: USBP Agents assigned to Southbound Operations at the Del Rio POE, observed a

subject exit a vehicle north of the toll booth and begin to walk along the pedestrian sidewalk

into MX. Agents stopped the subject, who claimed to be a USC. He was found to have

0.009 lbs of marijuana in his possession, along with a homemade smoking pipe. He also

had a tattoo on his chest indicating affiliation with the CIENGAS TERRACE gang. The

subject was a minor, and was released to his father, who was fined.

• 03 SEP: A USBP Agent at the Eagle Pass Checkpoint on US-57, Maverick Co, referred a

Chevrolet sedan to secondary inspection. The driver had several tattoos indicative of

membership in TANGO BLAST and freely admitted to past criminal activity. The passenger

had an active warrant for theft, and was arrested.


Gang activity (cont):

• 05 SEP: A Dimmit Co Deputy Constable conducted a

traffic stop on a Mazda 3 on SH-85, just east of Big Wells, TX.

The Deputy observed tattoos on the driver consistent with the

Latin Kings gang, however the subject denied membership.

The subject was cited and released.

―Brown Pride‖

―Five King‖

―830‖


• 01 SEP: A Kinney Co SO Deputy stopped a 1997 Chevrolet 1500 on FM-2523 at

RR-3008 for a traffic violation. The passenger freely admitted to being a member

of the WEST SIDE MEXICAN MAFIA, living in Acuna, Coahuila, since being

released from federal prison. The subjects were checked and released.

Ciengas Terrace - 1 Tango Blast - 1

West Side Mexican Mafia - 1 Latin Kings - 1

Gang activity:

On 07 SEP 2011, Maverick Co SO and a multi-agency task force

requested assistance from DPS Air 116 to assist with locating two

Hispanic male kidnap victims. The victims had been lured to Mexico

by drug cartel members in what was believed to be a response to

previous drug smuggling activities. The victims contacted their family

members to obtain a $50,000 USD ransom, which was paid. The

victims were dropped off on the US-side of the Rio Grande upon

payment of the ransom. DPS Air 116 located both victims and provided

aide. Both victims were transported by DPS Air 116 to the Maverick Co

Airport for transport via ambulance to the hospital.


Additional Information

02 SEP: DPS-Air 116 responded to an assist call from USBP Agents

regarding suspected IAs, observed by a Union Pacific employee, jumping

onto a northbound train leaving Eagle Pass, TX. The subjects jumped off the

train and fled from the Agents on foot. DPS 116 searched the area using the

FLIR camera, but the subjects absconded.

03 SEP: DPS-Air 116 conducted a patrol flight covering the Del Rio JOIC area, Val Verde Co,

(including US-90/US-277), in support of Operation C.A.R.E during the Labor Day weekend. The

Aircrew provided over-watch and cover during traffic stops and scouted for potential speeding,

intoxicated, and reckless driver violations on the targeted highways.

- 136.6 lbs in a field south of Eagle Pass, Maverick Co.

- 17.85 lbs at the Rio Bravo Ranch, south of El Indio, Maverick Co.

- 134.19 lbs at the Rio Bravo Ranch, south of El Indio Maverick Co.

- 380.3 lbs at the Pinto Creek Ranch, Kinney Co.

380.3 lbs

136.6 lbs

17.85 lbs

134.19 lbs

USBP Agents recovered

668.94 lbs of abandoned marijuana:




USBP Agents …

02 SEP: Observed a 2004 Ford F-350 on RM-674, five miles north of Brackettville,

Kinney Co, and performed a registration and immigration check. The subjects stated that

they were taking items to a ranch near Rocksprings. The bed of the truck appeared to be

full of sacks of corn and fertilizer. A consent to search was denied and the K-9 Unit

brought to the scene. Following a positive alert, a probable cause search revealed six

large bundles in the bed of the truck, and another two in the rear of the cab under

blankets. The large bundles contained 359 packages of marijuana totaling 764.10 lbs,

which tested positive for marijuana. Both subjects were arrested and the marijuana

turned over to the DEA. The vehicle was turned over to the Kinney Co SO.

31 AUG: With the aid of vehicle mounted surveillance, were alerted to a group of 13

subjects traveling on foot with large duffel bags, through the Moody Ranch near US-277

in Kinney Co. Mounted USBP Agents, Agents on foot and USBP K-9s, attempted to

interdict the group, who dropped the bags and fled. Twelve duffel bags were found, and

one subject was apprehended. The bags contained 432 briquettes of marijuana,

weighing a total of 904.67 lbs. The subject stated that he and 11 others were being led

by two guides and were to be paid $500 to deliver the bags to an undisclosed location

along the highway. The drugs were turned over to the DEA and the subject was arrested.


Additional information (cont)

A Dimmit County Deputy Constable…

06 SEP: Performed a traffic stop on a 2007 Ford F-150

off FM-2688, eight miles west of Catarina, TX. The

Deputy recognized the driver from a previous stop a few

months earlier. The subject stated that he and his

passenger were heading from a job site to eat lunch. A

field interview revealed that the passenger, who was

wearing a reflective vest, was an Illegal Alien. USBP

Agents responded and took custody of both subjects.

Del Rio Sector Unified Command Sector Assessment

This reporting period, most of the categories showed seizure increases over last week. Marijuana

increased significantly and is over 400% of the total for last week. This is due in large part to two seizures

in Kinney Co that accounted for over half of the current volume, one of 904.67 lbs and another of

764.1 lbs. Additionally, marijuana was the only type of drug seizure reported this week. Stolen vehicles

recovered increased along with IA apprehensions over last week; with OTMs accounting for nearly 50%,

and Honduras being the primary OTM country. This is reflective of the increase in criminal arrest, pursuits,

bailouts, and absconds.

The primary method of marijuana smuggling continues to be backpackers, and the increase may be the

result of the more favorable conditions for crossing (low water levels of the river and cooler weather).

The Eagle Pass POE, working on intelligence received from ICE, seized 12 assault weapons and nearly

1,000 ammo magazines before entering Mexico.

The wild fires continue to burn in the northern part of the sector. It is no longer suspected any of the fires

were the result of arson, but rather from lightning strikes and the drought conditions.


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


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 ContentsCONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


Laredo SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 3

Bailouts 3

Criminal Arrests 4

Fugitive Arrests --


Pursuits 2

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 41

IAs/USBP 584

OTMs 189

OTM Countries

Brazil 1

China 1

Ecuador 4

El Salvador 32

Guatemala 51

Honduras 92

India 2

Nepal 1

Nicaragua 5

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 0.05 lbs

Heroin 2.81 lbs

Methamphetamine 44.6 lbs

Currency $ 1,500.00

Other: --

Weapons

Handgun(s) --

Long Gun(s) --

Grenades(s) -- Vehicles Stolen / Recovered

Stolen 2

Recovered 1


Laredo SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$40,096

$0 $0 $1,500$0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

$30,000

$35,000

$40,000

$45,000

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3,545.204,184.50

4,823.63

6,538.30

0.00

1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

7,000.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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0.00

8.70

0.00 0.050.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

10.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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706

550

741

584

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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Gang Activity:

• 29 AUG: Laredo PD Officers arrested a female subject identified as a MEXICAN MAFIA

associate gang member and charged her with Possession of Controlled Substance. Officers

recovered 0.002 lbs of heroin. The subject was remanded to the Webb Co Jail.

• 31 AUG: Laredo PD Officers arrested two male subjects identified as TEXAS SYNDICATE

gang members, and charged them with Possession of Controlled substance. Officers recovered

0.027 lbs of cocaine, 0.012 lbs of heroin, and $1,500 USD. Both subjects were remanded to the

Webb Co Jail.

• 31 AUG: Laredo PD Officers arrested a male subject identified as TEXAS SYNDICATE gang

member charged him with Possession of Controlled Substance. Officers recovered 0.02 lbs of

cocaine. Subject was remanded to the Webb Co Jail.

Texas Syndicate – (3) Mexican Mafia – (1)



USBP Hebbronville Agents…

31 AUG: Seized 24 lbs of abandoned marijuana on the

Los Palos Ranch, approximately 18 miles southeast of

Hebbronville, TX. No apprehensions were reported.

31 AUG: While working along FM-649 and FM-2686,

observed weight anomalies in a 1998 Dodge Durango. As

Agents approached the vehicle, the occupants bailed out.

Agents seized the vehicle and 253.7 lbs of marijuana, but

no subjects were located.

01 SEP: Observed a Chevrolet pickup, matching the description of a

possible load vehicle on FM-2686 south of Hebbronville, TX. As

Agents approached, the vehicle veered off the road and the occupants

absconded into the brush. Agents discovered two large bundles of

marijuana in the vehicle, and a subsequent search of the area resulted

in the discovery of three additional bundles in the brush. Five bundles

of marijuana, weighing a total of 225 lbs, were seized. The

marijuana was turned over to DEA.


02 SEP: Seized 98 bundles of marijuana with a total weight of

5,269.7 lbs, comingled with wood chip cargo, in a tractor trailer. DEA took custody

of the subject and the marijuana, while USBP seized the tractor-trailer.


USBP Hebbronville Agents, while working the FM-1017 Checkpoint…

Cloyd, Robort Lee

10/15/1971

06 SEP: Arrested one male subject and seized 282.8 lbs of marijuana concealed

within an external diesel fuel tank from the bed of a 2005 Dodge Ram, bearing TX

registration, during a secondary inspection. The driver, contraband, and vehicle

were turned over to DEA.

Gonzalez, Michael George

09/02/1969


USBP Hebbronville Agents…


06 SEP: While working Operation High Noon South on HWY-16 in

Hebbronville, apprehended 2 IA subjects with a black duffle bag containing 33.7

lbs of marijuana. Both mother and son claimed to be from Mexico and were

processed for removal. Contraband was turned over to DEA.

USBP Laredo North Agents…

31 AUG: While working the IH- 35 Checkpoint, seized 113.4 lbs of marijuana and

2.8 lbs of heroin concealed within a hidden compartment in the gas tank of a 2008

Kenworth tractor trailer. DEA took custody of the narcotics, the male driver, and the

vehicle.

Resendez, Eric R.

11/08/1980

05 SEP: While working the IH-35 Checkpoint, referred a 1984 Pontiac Fiero to

secondary inspection following a positive K-9 alert. The vehicle fled the checkpoint

with Agents in pursuit. The vehicle stopped at MM:32, and the driver bailed out.

Agents discovered 44.6 lbs of methamphetamine in the trunk of the vehicle. The

meth and vehicle were turned over to DEA.



29 AUG: Laredo PD Officers arrested a male, juvenile subject and charged him

with Robbery and Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle. The vehicle the individual

was driving was reported as stolen. The subject was arrested and transported to

the Webb Co Juvenile Detention Center.


USBP Laredo North Agents…

06 SEP: Discovered an abandoned, 2004 Chevrolet Impala, bearing TX

registration, on Entrada Loop and Riverside Dr. Agents noticed three large bundles

of marijuana in the back seat and located two more bundles concealed in the trunk.

The five bundles of marijuana weighed a total of 336 lbs. Agents were notified

that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Laredo, TX. The vehicle was turned

over to Laredo PD, and the contraband was released to DEA.


Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment

The Laredo Unified Command had a significant increase in marijuana seizures this reporting period,

particularly due to one large seizure. Heroin seizures decreased, but methamphetamine increased

dramatically, from 10.14 lbs to 44.6 lbs. One currency seizure, totaling $1,500 USD was reported

this week.

Overall alien apprehensions decreased from 741 to 584. OTM apprehensions decreased from 208

to 189. The UA referrals from the Unified Command increased from 28 to 41 this week.

Reported stolen vehicles dropped from eight to two and recoveries remained unchanged at one.

The largest single marijuana seizure this week was 5,269.7 lbs, seized by USBP Hebbronville

Agents at the FM-1017 Checkpoint. USBP Laredo North Agents had the largest methamphetamine

seizure this week with 44.6 lbs. The methamphetamine was wrapped in colored tape.

No weapons were seized this week.


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

B R O O K S

UNIFIED COMMAND

MEMBERS

CBP – USBPCBP – OFOICE USCG US Fish & WildlifeStarr CO HIDTADPSTexas RangersTHPTPWD Texas Military ForcesCameron CO SOHidalgo CO SOKenedy CO SOStarr CO SOWillacy CO SOBrownsville PD Edinburg PDHarlingen PD Hidalgo PD

Hidalgo Co Pct 3Hidalgo Co Pct 4La Grulla PD La Joya PDMercedes PDMission PD Palmview PDPalmhurst PDPenitas PD Pharr PDPort Isabel PDRaymondville PDRio Grande City PDRoma PD San Benito PD San Juan PDWeslaco PDUniv of Texas-Pan

American (UTPA) PD Univ of Texas-

Brownsville (UTB) PD




Rio Grande Valley SectorThe Unified Command provided the

following reports:

Absconds 5Bailouts 1Criminal Arrests 66Fugitive Arrests 2

Gang Related Criminal Arrests 44Pursuits 6Scouts/Decoys --Spikings --Splash Downs --

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 87.05 lbs

Heroin --


Currency $828,563.00

Other50 - Kevlar Helmets,102 - Ballistic Plates , 50 - Riot Gear Suits

WeaponsHandgun(s) --Long Gun(s) --Explosive(s) --


Stolen --Recovered 2


IAs/Referrals --IAs/USBP 1,389

OTMs 586

OTM Countries

El Salvador 224

Guatemala 119

Honduras 136India 20

Albania 3Ecuador 15

China 7Nepal 6

Belize 3

Dominican Republic 9Peru 3

Colombia 11Costa Rica 4

Nicaragua 7

Romania 3

Sri Lanka 7

Chile 3Philippines 2

Cuba 1

Bangladesh 3


Rio Grande Valley SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$333,600

$28,005$37,615

$828,563

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

$700,000

$800,000

$900,000

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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34,112.62

40,694.61

24,221.71

35,102.55

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

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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284.44

78.65

377.85

87.05

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

350.00

400.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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1,477

1,236

1,325

1,389

1,100

1,150

1,200

1,250

1,300

1,350

1,400

1,450

1,500

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

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RGV UC Illegal Aliens


Gang activity

The Hidalgo Co SO Gang Intelligence Unit reported 44 gang member arrests this reporting period. These

arrests were made by 11 different agencies in the RGV sector. The gang members were arrested for

offenses such as: aggravated robbery, terroristic threat of family, misdemeanor warrant, felony warrant,

aggravated assault with deadly weapon, parole violation, assault causes bodily injury, possession of

marijuana, public intoxication, burglary of habitation, theft of property, resisting arrest, indecency with a

child sexual contact, burglary of vehicle and deadly conduct discharge of firearm. The arrestees have

gang affiliation with:

Valluco Tri City Bombers Loco Trece

Paisa Mexican Mafia Latin Kings

Texas Syndicate Texas Chicano Brotherhood Sureno 13

Po Boys Norteno 13 Hermanos Pistoleros

Ku Klux Klan Brown Pride South Side Folk

Southbound Operations

The Pharr PD in conjunction with CBP are conducting Southbound Operations at the Pharr International

Bridge.

CBP Officers from the Hidalgo POE inspected an

outbound 1999 Ford Escort with MX license plates driven

by a male MX citizen. A secondary inspection of the

vehicle revealed $824,980 USD concealed in the vehicle

quarter panels. The Driver was arrested and the vehicle

seized.

Rio Grande City PD Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 1993 Ford F-150 on US-83

and Trophy Rd. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The driver was arrested for

evading arrest in a motor vehicle. The Officer determined that the driver is associated with the

VALLUCO street gang.


Additional informationRio Grande City PD Officer received information in reference to several subjects loading

marijuana bundles into a red Mercury Grand Marquis on the 1900 blk of US-83S. The

Officer arrived on scene and observed three male subjects run into a wooded area. The

driver of the vehicle attempted to evade and struck the officer’s police unit. The driver

bailed out and absconded. A search of the vehicle revealed 362.2 lbs of marijuana.

La Joya PD Officers were dispatched to a residence on West 11th St in reference to

several subjects crossing through private property. Officers arrived on scene and located

22 subjects hiding in the brush and under the residence. All 22 suspected IAs were

turned over to USBP Agents.

Pharr PD Officers conducting Southbound Operations at the Pharr International Bridge

inspected two cargo trucks traveling south into MX. Upon inspection of the vehicles,

Officers discovered several items being smuggled into MX. The items consisted of the

following: 50- Kevlar Military Style Helmets, 102- Ballistic Plates for Body Armor and 50-

Riot Gear type Body Armor Suits.

Southbound Operations (cont)


Texas Military Forces (TXMF) Counter Drug Aircrews were advised of a pending raid to be

conducted on a nearby residence by USBP Agents. The Aircrew provided intelligence to the Team

regarding the number of suspects, suspicious activity, etc. The Raid Team entered the property and

secured all suspects and structures. During the ensuing search for contraband, the NG aircrew

provided security, utilizing the FLIR U7500 & NIGHTSUN as agents searched the property and

adjacent acreage.

Texas Military Forces (TXMF) Counter Drug Helicopters assisted the

Fort Brown USBP Agents with 14 IA apprehensions near Veteran’s

International Bridge Port of Entry in Brownsville.

Texas Military Forces (TXMF) Counter Drug Helicopters, conducting deterrence flights in the

Harlingen area, assisted USBP Agents working traffic by Military Hwy & FM-802. Suspects led

Agents on a foot chase and were hiding in a local neighborhood. The Aircrew assumed high cover

and assisted agents in apprehending six undocumented aliens.

Texas Military Forces Counter Drug Aviation Unit

and US Border Patrol

Mercedes USBP Agents seized 1,546 lbs of marijuana in Weslaco, TX. One male

Mexican national was apprehended. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics and

subject. The vehicle was seized.

Rio Grande City Agents seized 428 lbs of marijuana in Rio Grande City, TX. No subjects

were apprehended. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics.



CBP Officers from the Pharr POE inspected an inbound 1997 Kenworth Tractor Trailer with MX

license plates driven by a MX citizen. A secondary inspection of the vehicle revealed

3,788.64 lbs of marijuana concealed inside a shipment of doors that were manifested. A total of

498 doors had narcotics hidden inside them. The vehicle was seized.

Marijuana bundles concealed inside the doors.



CBP Officers from the Hidalgo POE inspected an inbound 2011 Honda Civic with MX

license plates driven by a female MX citizen. A secondary inspection of the vehicle

revealed 58.07 lbs of cocaine concealed inside the dash area. The vehicle was

seized and the driver and passenger were arrested.

CBP Officers from the Pharr POE inspected an inbound 1996 Freightliner with MX license

plates driven by a male MX citizen. A secondary inspection of the vehicle revealed

2,786.64 lbs of marijuana comingled in a shipment of soap. The vehicle was seized and

driver was arrested.


CBP Officers from the Brownsville B&M Bridge inspected an inbound 2003 Chevrolet

Tahoe with TX license plates driven by a male US citizen. A secondary inspection of the

vehicle revealed 1.2 lbs of cocaine concealed within the vehicle manifold. The driver

was arrested and vehicle seized.

Kingsville USBP Agents working at the Sarita Checkpoint seized

1,995.6 lbs of marijuana. DEA took custody of the USC driver, tractor-

trailer and the narcotics.

Kingsville USBP Agents seized 19.4 lbs of cocaine at the

Sarita Checkpoint. One USC was arrested as a result of the narcotic

smuggling attempt. DEA took custody of the narcotics and the subject.

The vehicle was seized.


Harlingen USBP Agents seized 881.85 lbs of marijuana near La Paloma, TX. Agents

observed a vehicle traveling north away from the Rio Grande at a high rate of speed,

the driver bailed out of the vehicle and fled the area. A subsequent search of the

vehicle revealed a total of 9 bundles of marijuana within the vehicle. No subject was

arrested. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics.

Mercedes USBP Agents found 936.6 lbs of marijuana abandoned in the brush south of Donna, TX. No

arrests were made. DEA took custody of the narcotics.

Mercedes USBP Agents

south of Alamo, TX, seized

970 lbs of marijuana. A

driver and a passenger bailed

out of the vehicle and

absconded into the brush.

The narcotics were turned

over to DEA and the vehicle

was seized by USBP.

Mercedes USBP Agents seized 702.2 lbs of marijuana in San Juan, TX. A total of seven subjects

were arrested. DEA took custody of the narcotics and declined prosecution. The subjects were

processed accordingly.

Mercedes USBP Agents near Weslaco, TX, seized 1,092.2 lbs of marijuana. Agents recovered an

abandoned vehicle with 12 bundles of marijuana. No arrests were made. DEA took custody of the

narcotics and vehicle was seized.




Palmhurst PD Officers responded to a warehouse on N. Conway in reference to a

burglary in progress. Upon arrival Officers found the front door had been forced

open. Inside officers found 611 lbs of marijuana in 57 bundles. Officers also found

a workstation used to wrap the bundles, along with masking agents such as lime

and spray deodorizer. A cargo van and a forklift were also seized.

Palmview PD Officer observed a red 1990 Pontiac Grand-Am passenger car

traveling northbound on Abram Rd. The Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle came to a complete

stop on Abram Rd at the north side of the Edinburg canal where the driver bailed out

and fled. The subject was apprehended a short time later. A search of the vehicle

revealed 659 lbs of marijuana in 34 bundles on the front seats, back seats, and

trunk area. The vehicle was seized.

Edinburg PD K-9 Officer conducted a free-air search at the Quick Mail Plus. Upon

arrival, the Officer was shown several boxes prepared for shipping. A K-9 alerted to

a large brown box. The box was opened after a search warrant was obtained and

the Officer discovered a total of 11 lbs of marijuana contained within the box that

was destined for a residence in Tyler, TX.

Brownsville PD Narcotic Agents secured and executed a search warrant at a

residence on Clavel St after receiving information that drugs were being sold from

the location. After a search of the residence, Agents found and seized 0.7 grams of

cocaine and a total of $3,583 USD. Agents arrested one male subject and one

female subject. Both subjects were charged with possession of controlled substance

with intent to deliver.



USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 108, conducted a

criminal search near Havana, TX, just south of Military

Highway. Utilizing the FLIR camera, DPS 108 located a

suspect hiding and illuminated the area. Agents were

directed to the suspect’s location, where he was

apprehended. The aircrew continued to search and

located three more suspects hiding just north of Military

Highway. Agents were guided into these suspects from

the air and all three were taken into custody. A total of four

suspected IAs were apprehended.

USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 108, searched west of the Anzalduas Bridge in the floodway.

The Aircrew, utilizing the FLIR camera, located several groups of suspects hiding in the brush.

Agents were guided to their location and apprehended 10 suspects.



USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 108, conducted a criminal search near the Abram, TX, area.

Utilizing the FLIR camera, the Aircrew located multiple suspects hiding in a thick wooded area and

was able to guide Agents to them. A total of 15 suspects were apprehended on this search.

USBP Agents requested assistance

from DPS Air 108 on a criminal search

just north of Military Hwy near Peñitas,

TX, in a large sugar cane field.

Combined search efforts from air and

ground assets yielded the

apprehension of four suspects. One

of the suspects ran eastbound and

absconded into an adjacent sugar cane

field.


USBP Agents, requested assistance from DPS Air 108, on a

criminal search just south of the floodway levee, west of 23rd

St. Agents tracked a large group of suspects into a large

wooded area. The Aircrew located the group of suspects

lying underneath some tall grass and guided agents to their

location. A total of 20 suspects were apprehended. Two

suspects absconded.


Suspect hiding in tall grass

DPS Air 108, was called to assist the USBP Agents on a criminal search near the Anzalduas Bridge

and the floodway. The Aircrew located multiple small groups of suspects hiding in the middle of the

floodway. Agents were guided to their location and after several short foot pursuits, Agents were

able to apprehend a total of 17 suspects.



USBP Agents requested assistance from DPS Air 108 in locating a white SUV travelling

northbound on Schuerbach Rd that was possibly loaded with a large amount of

narcotics. The Aircrew located a white SUV traveling at a high rate of speed approaching

US-83. The suspects noticed the helicopter and bailed out of the vehicle and attempted

to hide in a neighborhood. The Agents arrived on scene and apprehended the driver and

passenger. Both subjects were detained and a search of the vehicle revealed 1,059 lbs

of marijuana.

One of the suspects is

wearing either a rosary or a

fake rosary with a Santa

Muerte.


After a K-9 alerted to the three crates and investigators obtained search warrants,

the following was discovered :

• 75 lbs of marijuana in 11 bundles.



Suspicious crates at local freight company

THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Ford F-250 on US-281 near San

Manuel, TX. The Trooper requested and was granted consent to search the

vehicle, which revealed a total of 88 lbs of marijuana concealed in the spare tire.



2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Concealment: Bundles of

narcotics in plain view

The driver was arrested.


1992 Lincoln Towncar

Concealment: Trunk

The driver bailed out and

absconded.


1999 Pontiac GTP

Concealment: CabPURSUIT. The driver lost

control of the vehicle and

struck a tree.


2006 Chevrolet HHR

Concealment: Front and rear passenger floorboard and rear cargo area

The driver and passenger bailed out. The passenger was apprehended and driver absconded.


2001 Chevrolet Malibu

Concealment: Vehicle cab and trunk

Trooper conducted a motorist assist stop. The driver stated his vehicle was overheating.


1996 Dodge Ram

Concealment: Undercarriage of the vehicle

The driver fled on foot and absconded.

US-83 near Sullivan City, TX

THP Total for Area as reported on this slide: 1,692.5 lbs


The RGV Unified Command agencies were responsible for the seizure of over 35,000 lbs of

marijuana. This is a 45% increase from last week. Cocaine seizures decreased from 377.85 lbs

reported last week to 87.05 lbs this week. There were no heroin seizures, however a total of 23.4

lbs of methamphetamine was seized for the week. Currency increased to a total of $828,563 USD.

The USBP, CBP OFO, DPS Aviation, DPS THP and CID, TXNG CDAE AVN, Cameron Co SO, Rio

Grande City PD, La Joya PD, Mission PD, Pharr PD, Edinburg PD, Brownsville PD, Palmhurst PD

and Palmview PD contributed significantly to the narcotic and currency seizures.

Illegal Alien apprehensions increased for the reporting period from 1,325 to 1,389 this week. The

OTM count increased from last week to a total of 586.

The Mexican Military continued their pursuit of high-value cartel targets this past week in the cities

of Matamoros and Reynosa. Several Zeta operatives were arrested subsequent to gun battles

within the city limits. The Zeta organization continues to probe the Matamoros and Reynosa areas

from the south and west. A recent situational awareness bulletin warns of a Zeta build-up for a

possible confrontation with the Gulf Cartel. The RGV BIC and JOIC continue to closely monitor

events in Mexico that may produce cross-border violence.

The USBP RGV Sector International Liaison Unit continues to be an effective and invaluable asset

to border security efforts. The unit continues to coordinate with the forces of the Government of

Mexico in order to gather real-time intelligence that is crucial to the overall success of operations.

RGV JOIC Unified Command Sector Assessment


K L E B E R G

J I MW E L L S

M c M U L L E N

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

A R A N S A S

W H A R T O N

M A T A G O R D A

B R O O K S


UNIFIED COMMAND

MEMBERS

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

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



Coastal Bend SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 51

Bailouts 7

Criminal Arrests 304

Fugitive Arrests 215


Pursuits 5

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 28

IAs/USBP --

OTMs 2Countries Honduras 2

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 18.11 lbs

Heroin 0.01 lbs


K2 / Synthetic Marijuana --

Currency $8,970.00

Other Xanax: 3 pills

Weapons

Handgun(s) 14

Long Gun(s) 100

Explosive(s) --


Stolen 1

Recovered 17


Coastal Bend SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

IAs apprehended in the Coastal Bend

JOIC Sector and reported by USBP

Stations Kingsville, Corpus Christi and

Falfurrias, are reported in the RGV JOIC

statistics because the above listed USBP

stations report to USBP Sector (Rio

Grande Valley) HQ in McAllen.

Referrals noted on the previous page are

IAs apprehended by Coastal Bend Unified

Command members (local and county)

that ultimately turn over their

apprehensions to USBP.

$50,823

$78,500

$108,670

$8,970$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Currency Seizures

1,607.43

52.68

1,612.30

7,633.66

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

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Marijuana Seizures

0.94

94.09

22.1318.11

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

17-Aug-11 24-Aug-11 31-Aug-11 7-Sep-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Coastal Bend UC Cocaine Seizures



Victoria Co SO seized 37.5 lbs of marijuana concealed in the gas tank of a 2002 Ford Escape.

The male driver was traveling on US-59N from Mission, TX to Houston, TX.

Victoria Co SO patrolling in a residential area of Bloomington seized 0.002 lbs of

marijuana during a traffic stop on a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. The male driver was

identified as a MEXICAN MAFIA gang member and was found to have warrants for

his arrest. The subject claimed to be in the U.S. Army and had traveled from Fort Sill,

OK to Bloomington, TX.

Gang Activity

THP Kleberg Co seized 17.64 lbs of

cocaine concealed in the air

conditioning unit of a 2005 Dodge Grand

Caravan mini-van. The male driver and

male passenger were traveling on US-

59N from Reynosa, MX, to Houston, TX.


THP Victoria Co seized 29 lbs of marijuana concealed in the wall lining of

an ice chest in a 2000 Ford Expedition SUV. The male driver was traveling

on US-59N from San Benito, TX, to Houston, TX.



THP Victoria Co seized 7,480 lbs of marijuana concealed in a semi tanker trailer

towed by a 2007 Freightliner tractor truck. The male driver was traveling on US-59N

from Pharr, TX to Houston, TX.


THP Live Oak Co seized 84.7 lbs of

marijuana concealed in the rear

passenger seats, spare tire, and in the

tailgate of a 2003 Dodge 1500 pickup. The

male driver and male passenger were

traveling on IH-37N from McAllen, TX, to

Houston, TX.


DPS/CID Corpus Christi, assisted by Corpus Christi PD seized 0.431 lbs of

methamphetamine, 0.016 lbs of marijuana, and 0.001 lbs of heroin. They also

seized a three pistols during the execution of arrest and search warrants that were the

result of an ongoing joint investigation. The warrant execution yielded the arrest of two

males and one female subject.


Corpus Christi PD and ATF agents seized 98 AK-47

assault rifles, parts, and manufacturing materials for

additional rifles. The seizure took place at a residence in

Corpus Christi, TX. 15 subjects were present at the

location when officers arrived.

Complete AK-47 rifles seized.

Home made AK-47 receivers seized.


The barrels of these weapons are most likely coming from Romania and can be shipped legally labeled and declared on theimport application as “articles of iron and steel” or even “pipes”. The barrels’ trunnion which is not part of the receiver butfits into the receiver will likely have a number stamped into it that appears to be a serial number. This is not a serial numberand should not be regarded as one. This number cannot be used to trace the weapon. It is important to remember thatfederal regulations require any firearm manufactured or imported into the United States must have a serial number onthe receiver.

Corpus Christi Crime Analysis & Tactical Intelligence Center compiled the following information regardingtheir recent AK-47 seizure (previous page): It should be emphasized that it is not illegal to have a self-manufactured gun with no serial number or other identifiers under federal law as long as it was manufacturedby the non-licensee possessor, built without the assistance of a third party, and is not sold, traded, or bartered.

AK-47 Kits can be legally purchased though most do not appear to include thereceiver. The vendor will typically stock the receiver usually known as a “receiverflat”, which is a flat piece of stamped steel that may or may not have predrilledholes. Making the receiver involves folding the “flat” to form the outside part of thereceiver. It requires some special skills and tools to properly do so. However, theinternet is plentiful with instructions and DVD’s on how to do this and build thefinished product. There are completed receivers imported where the ejection porthas a piece of metal barely attached by metal tabs. A simple ball peen hammercan break the tabs and the receiver is complete. The law applies to ‘completedreceivers’. Because the tab was manufactured into the receiver, by law the receiverhas not been completed and it qualifies as an article of ‘iron and steel’.

What is unique to these weapons is that they will not have a serial number or manufacturers name which is found on acommercially manufactured receiver. One may recognize a hand built AK-47 by the receiver will look new with good bluingon it as was discovered in this incident. The barrels, which come from Romania, may show some wear as might the stock,both of which will likely be used parts. If such a weapon as described is found, it may well have come from this local“factory.”CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


Coastal Bend JOIC’s Sector Assessment

Marijuana seizures showed an increase in the Coastal Bend Sector over the last reporting

period from 1,612.3 lbs to 7,633.7 lbs. There was a decrease in cocaine seizures from

22.13 lbs to 18.1 lbs. There was one currency seizure, totaling $8,970 USD, which was a

decrease in cash seizures from last week’s $108,670 USD. Criminal arrests and absconds

showed increases while IA referrals, OTMs, gang arrests, and pursuits showed a decrease

during this period. US-59N and IH-37N were the locations of significant narcotic and currency

seizures.

A review of the Falfurrias Checkpoint on US-281N indicated that between 01 – 07 SEPT 2011

there were 576.9 lbs of marijuana and 3.473 lbs of cocaine reported seized. This is a

decrease from last week’s total of 11,782.8 lbs of marijuana and no cocaine reported seized.

The Falfurrias Checkpoint reported three commercial buses were found to have passengers

concealing a total of 65.35 lbs of marijuana and 3.47 lbs of cocaine. No truck/tractor and

trailers were reported to conceal contraband at the Falfurrias Checkpoint during this reporting

period.

A review of the Sarita Checkpoint on US-77N indicated 2,133.8 lbs of marijuana and 4.7 lbs

of cocaine reported as seized. This was an increase from last week’s total of 283.2 lbs of

marijuana and 19.4 lbs of cocaine reported seized. The Sarita checkpoint also saw 23.4 lbs

of methamphetamine seized during this period. The Sarita Checkpoint reported one tractor

trailer was found concealing a total of 1,995.6 lbs of marijuana.


Statewide Corridor Seizures

THP [Carson Co.] –• 7.76 lbs of cocaine – engine; El Paso, TX to Kansas City, KS.• 26.46 lbs of cocaine & 13.23 lbs of methamphetamine – false compartment in rear cargo area; Colton, CA to New York, NY.


THP [Waller Co.] –• 696 controlled substance tablets –

luggage; Houston, TX to Austin, TX.

THP [Gregg Co.] –• 45 lbs of marijuana - trunk;

Mesquite, TX to Alabama.

* A wildfire burns out of control in Bastrop State Park

THP [Hill Co.] –• $462,319 USD – false roof in

vehicle; Dallas, TX to Laredo, TX.

THP [Oldham Co.] –• 11 lbs of marijuana – luggage;

California to Indianapolis, IN.

THP [Fayette Co.] –• 8.82 lbs of cocaine – heater core;

Pharr, TX to Cleveland, TX.

CID [Dallas Co.] –• 2.16 lbs of marijuana, 1 shotgun

& 2 pistols – residence; Dallas, TX.

THP [Liberty Co.] –• 102.4 lbs of marijuana – luggage;

Humble, TX to Lufkin, TX.The Austin skyline with Bastrop

burning in the distance

THP [BowieCo.] –• 6.61 lbs of heroin – batteries;

Austin, TX to Philadelphia, PA.

THP [Hopkins Co.] –• $146,020 USD – spare tire;

Memphis, TN to San Antonio, TX.

THP [Cherokee Co.] –• 1,000 Hydrocodone tablets –

underneath center console; Houston, TX to Lake Charles, LA.


29 AUG: THP Panhandle conducted a traffic stop on a 1997 Chevrolet Camaro,

bearing TX registration. A consent to search revealed one large bundle of

cocaine concealed inside the engine structure. Access was gained by removing

the intake manifold, exposing a foil wrapped bundle laying in the oil valley. The

bundle contained 7.76 lbs of cocaine. The cocaine was traveling from El

Paso, TX, to Kansas City, KS.


01 SEP: With the assistance of Fayette Co SO, THP

Schulenburg conducted a traffic stop on a 1993 Chevrolet

S-10, bearing TX registration. A consent to search

revealed 8.82 lbs of cocaine, concealed within the

heater core in the dashboard of the vehicle. The cocaine

was traveling from Pharr, TX, to Cleveland, TX.

02 SEP: With the assistance of Amarillo DEA, THP Borger conducted a traffic stop

on a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, bearing CA registration. A consent to search

revealed 26.45 lbs of cocaine and 13.23 lbs of methamphetamineconcealed within a false compartment in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. The

narcotics were traveling from Colton, CA, to New York, NY.



5 SEP 2011: With the assistance of Hopkins Co SO, THP

Sulphur Springs conducted a traffic stop on a 1997 Jeep

Cherokee, bearing TX registration. A consent to search

revealed eight brick-shaped bundles of currency, totaling

$146,020 USD concealed in the spare tire. The cash was

traveling from Memphis, TN, to San Antonio, TX.

1 SEP 2011: THP Waxahachie

conducted a traffic stop on a

2004 Nissan Titan, bearing TX

registration. A consent to search

revealed 26 bundles of

currency, totaling $462,319

USD concealed in a false

compartment in the roof of the

vehicle. The cash was traveling

from Dallas, TX, to Laredo, TX.



02 SEP: THP Texarkana conducted a traffic stop on a 2011 Toyota

4-door, bearing TX registration. A consent to search revealed 6.1

lbs of Heroin, concealed in the vehicle start battery. The heroin

was traveling from Austin, TX, to Philadelphia, PA.



SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICOSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICO



Significant Events in Mexico

It appears that replacing the man authorities largely blame for the bloody schism between

the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas took little time. Several hours after officials on 02 SEPT

confirmed the death of Samuel ―Metro-3‖ Flores Borrego — the Gulf Cartel’s No. 2 leader

and boss responsible for its operations in the Reynosa area, his successor was identified.

Various sources within and outside law enforcement claim 49-yr-old Mario Armando

Ramirez Trevino, aka ‖X-20‖ and ―Pelón,‖ has been named as the cartel’s new plaza boss

Diaz Ordaz is across the border from Sullivan City.

Flores’ slaying was likely the result of a power struggle

within the Gulf Cartel, according to a statement from the

Mexican army in Matamoros. Authorities believe Flores

was responsible for the death in early 2010 of Zeta

lieutenant Sergio ―Concord 3‖ Peña Mendoza, a close

associate of the Zetas’ No. 2 leader, Miguel Angel ―El

40‖ Treviño. Widespread violence has dogged

Tamaulipas and other states in northeast Mexico since

the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas split in mid-FEB 2010.

Ramirez Trevino

―X-20‖

for Reynosa. Ramirez has served as the second-in-command of the Reynosa plaza, according to the US

Department of State, which has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. Flores’

body and that of Eloy Lerma Garcia, a high-ranking police official from the city of Diaz Ordaz, were found

inside a Ford Lobo pickup truck along the Monterrey-Reynosa HWY, about 13 miles south of Reynosa.

Body of

Flores

Borrego

After Peña’s slaying, Los Zetas demanded Flores’ death and

threatened open war with the Gulf Cartel if the score was not settled

with his blood. The Gulf Cartel ignored Los Zetas’ demand.



08 SEP: The Mexican Navy broke up a sophisticated communications

network used by the Zetas in the eastern state of Veracruz. Forces seized

high-tech communication equipment that included mobile radio

transmitters, sophisticated frequency radios, high-end antennas and

digital equipment for transmitting encrypted messages. The drug cartel

was using the equipment to coordinate drug trafficking, kidnap, extortion,

murder, and overall communication between the gang’s cells across much

of the state. Approximately 80 individuals have been arrested, including 6

police officers, and security officials are confident they have severely

weakened the chain of command for Zetas operations. The Zetas drug

gang have been blamed for some of the worst atrocities in Mexico's drug

war, including the mass murder of 72 migrants and an arson attack on a

casino last month that killed over 50 people.

The 08 JUL 2011 BOSA

documented that the Mexican

military had located and

destroyed an illegal commercial-

type radio antenna, (that was

often guarded by cartel gunmen)

In Guerrero, MX.


Significant Events in Mexico (cont)

CD JUÁREZ - On 01 September 2011, a group of hitmen killed Favela

Portillo, the Police Captain of the Aldama Police Station, in Cd Juárez,

Chihuahua. The attack occurred while Captain Portillo was stopped at

the intersection of Oscar Flores Sanchez Boulevard and Valle del Sol

Street. At that point, the hitmen pulled him from his Ford Explorer, forced

him onto his knees, and shot him to death. Prior to this incident, police

reported that Captain Portillo had received multiple death threats via

narco banners and graffiti messages.

SAN FERNANDO - Five Zetas were arrested and a small

weapons cache was seized earlier this week in San

Fernando, Tamps. A police convoy conducting routine patrols

spotted a suspicious green Chevrolet Malibu with no license

plates. A search of the vehicle revealed an AR-15 assault

rifle, an Uzi submachine gun, a .38-caliber pistol, ammo rds

and magazines of different calibers, one bulletproof vest, and

several types of military and tactical uniforms. Authorities

arrested its occupants. Once the suspects were taken into

custody, authorities confirmed with the PFP Intelligence

Center that they were members of Los Zetas. The five

subjects were identified as: Ricardo ―El Miky‖ Villanueva

Lumbrera, 26, Manuel Israel ―El San Jose,‖ Calletano

Olivares, 25, Jose ―El Dakota‖ de Leon Robles, 22, Maria

Guadalupe ―La Negra‖ Alejandro Garza, 19, and Martin

Alfonso ―El Sarten‖ Rosas Fonseca, 18.

Martin Rosas Fonseca

AKA “El Sarten”

Maria Guadalupe

GarzaAKA “La Negra”

Jose De Leon RoblesAKA “El Dakota”



Mexican SEDENA officials

reported that soldiers were out

on patrol when they came across

256 packages of marijuana

weighing more than 3,754 lbs in

the town of Guardados de Abajo

in Tamaulipas. No arrests were

reported but the case remains

under investigation.

Seizure

by

SEDENA

NUEVO LAREDO - Mexican authorities in Nuevo Laredo, MX,

are investigating related cases involving a kidnapping and twenty

house fires that occurred this week. Five children, ranging from 2

months to 7-yrs-old, were in Casa Hogar — run by Desarrollo

Integral de la Familia (DIF), Mexico’s social services agency run

by the city— as of 06 SEPT 2011 after their parents had been

reported kidnapped. The children came from two unrelated

families. A federal source said members of organized crime set

fire to houses in the Hidalgo, Madero, Mirador and Viveros

neighborhoods. Fire officials said they were unable to release

dates, times and locations of the reports but that they were

confirmed in their log. ―It was something that started last

Wednesday,‖ a state official said. ―But we know who they were.‖

A former city police officer stated that in Nuevo Laredo, no one

will talk for fear of retaliation.

Laredo

Nuevo

Laredo



CHIHUAHUA - Forty-three municipal police officers from the State of

Tamaulipas, north Mexico, deserted a training course in the State of

Chihuahua. The officers were part of a group of almost 350 police being

vetted and trained in military tactics as part of Tamaulipas’ strategy of

police modernization and professionalization. They left after only 15

days of courses at the National Training Center. The Tamaulipas Public

Security Secretary said that conditions have been difficult at the military

training center and police have complained about the lack of food and

grueling hours. The official did not say what the future holds for the

deserters upon their expected return to Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas, but suggested they could be fired for

refusing to complete required training. Those who were successfully vetted for corruption ties could be

transferred to serve in other capacities.

JALISCO - On 05 SEPT 2011, Hector Guajardo Hernandez, aka "El Guicho,‖ who

is accused of transporting cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and into the US for

the Sinaloa cartel, was recaptured in Jalisco after having escaped detention from

a hospital 27 JUL 2011. He had been arrested for the first time on 12 MAY 2011

after an armed confrontation and a police chase in the border city of Mexicali, Baja

California. During the confrontation, Guajardo Hernandez was shot twice in the

abdomen. It was during his hospital recovery that he allegedly paid a million pesos

to at least two police officers to help him escape. Guajardo Hernandez operated in

Baja California, but also controlled operations moving Colombian cocaine into

Mexico. He allegedly replaced Teodoro "El Teo" Garcia Simental, after his arrest in

JAN 2010. State prosecutors contend Guarjardo Hernandez has been charged

with numerous counts of homicide, weapons possession, and drug trafficking and

is the primary focus of at least 23 preliminary investigations. He is also considered

responsible for the OCT 2010 El Camino rehabilitation center massacre.

HECTOR EDUARDO GUAJARDO

HERNANDEZ O VICTOR HERNANDEZ

MEDINA

ALIAS ―EL GUICHO‖

DE 33 ANOS



MEXICO CITY – Last week, Mexican Police arrested a USC for smuggling

American grenade parts into Mexico, where they were assembled for use by the

Sinaloa Cartel. Mexico's Attorney General's Office identified the man as Jean

Baptiste Kingery. Kingery allegedly bought weapons parts and grenade casings in

US stores and over the Internet, and smuggled them into Mexico through the

border city of Mexicali. Kingery was arrested late last week in the Pacific Coast city

of Mazatlan, in the Sinaloa state, after a raid on a house where five guns were

found. He is being held under house arrest. Police also raided five other

homes and found what appeared to have been facilities for assembling grenades, including gunpowder

and grenade triggers, pins and caps. In APR 2011, two men were arrested with 192 grenade casings in

Baja California, the state where Mexicali is located. They told police they were part of the grenade

smuggling ring, and that led to the detention of another American man, who led police to Kingery. The US

Embassy in Mexico City would not confirm the man's name, hometown or nationality, citing privacy

concerns. Mexican drug cartels have frequently used hand grenades in battles with police and soldiers,

and occasionally against civilians. On 14 AUG 2011, gunmen tossed a grenade onto a busy tourist

boulevard in Veracruz, killing a man and seriously wounding his wife and their two young children.

Kingery

CHIHUAHUA - On 30 AUG 2011, the State Attorney

General’s Office of Chihuahua offered a reward of

$500,000 MXN for information leading to the arrest of

Nestor Bernardo Diaz Torres, a 14-yr-old boy accused of

murdering Municipal Police Officer Sergio Leonel Munoz

Gutierrez on 26 AUG 2011. On 05 SEPT 2011, the State

Attorney General’s Office reported that the boy was

arrested on the same day thanks to information received

by citizens. He could face up to 15 years in prison.




MEXICO CITY - On 31 AUG 2011, the bodies of two female journalists

were recovered from a park located in the El Mirador neighborhood of

Iztapalapa, Federal District. They were found naked, with their hands

and feet bound, and it appears that they were strangled. The journalists

have been identified as follows:

• Ana Maria Marcela Yarce Viveros; founder/reporter for the

Contralinea Magazine

• Rocio Gonzalez Trapaga; independent journalist. In the past she

worked for the Televisa News and was the head of the Social

Communication Directive of FONACOT.

Ana Marcela Yarce, left, and Rocio

Gonzalez Trapaga

NAYARIT - On 02 SEPT 2011, a group of armed men hung a

murder victim from a bridge located along Jacarandas Avenue in

Tepic, Nayarit, during the daylight in front of multiple witnesses. A

narco-message left with the victim read as follows: This is for all of

the taxi drivers and for the 40 women that are working as lookouts

at the service of the for Beltranes-Z. You’re next, soon enough we

are going to cut off your fingers and take out your eyes you bitches

working as lookouts.”NOTE: Beltranes-Z refers to the alliance between the

Beltran Leyva Organization and Los Zetas.

Their killings follow a pattern of murders by organized crime gangs and drug cartels, however they are the

first such killings of media workers in the nation's capital city. The killings bring to 10 the number of media

workers killed in Mexico this year, which means that the country has surpassed Iraq as the deadliest in the

world for journalists.


Photos from videos were released showing Manuel Jonas Larrazabal, the brother of Monterrey's mayor

Fernando Larrazabal, and the city's human development secretary, Miguel Angel Garcia, apparently

negotiating with a casino representative. The release follows the reported deaths of dozens on 25 AUG

2011 at a casino torched by criminals, who were reportedly not paid protection money by the

establishment's owner. Jonas Larrazabal is being investigated for allegedly receiving payoffs from

casinos. The videos, which were supposedly taken on 07 MAY, show Larrazabal and Garcia speaking with

Sergio Gil, a representative of the Red Casino. The meeting took place because the casino had been

shutdown by authorities for a few days and reopened hours after the meeting. Several videos show Jonas

Larrazabal receiving cash during visits to casinos. One of the videos was dated 19 AUG, just six days

before suspected members of the Los Zetas set fire to the Casino Royale. Mayor Fernando Larrazabal, of

the ruling conservative National Action Party, has denied any links with the scandal affecting his brother

and ruled out the possibility of resigning. Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the

massacre and authorities say another six perpetrators remain at large, in addition to the people who

masterminded the attack. Five suspected Zetas in custody told investigators last week they did not plan to

kill anyone and only wanted to intimidate the establishment's owners into paying. The suspects said they

were scolded by their bosses for killing so many people at the casino, which was the target of an extortion

racket common in several parts of Mexico. Owners of some Nuevo Leon casinos have complained that

they are extorted by organized crime elements and also by the authorities, who threaten to shutter their

establishments if payments are not made. President Felipe Calderon ordered an investigation of all the

casinos in Mexico in response to the reports of widespread corruption involving the gaming industry.


Photos of Manuel Jonas Larrazabal seen taking cash from various casinos


Los Caballeros TemplariosLeader(s): Enrique Plancarte Solís, aka ―Kike‖

Symbols: Any symbol associated with the historical Knights Templar

Rivals: La Familia Michoacán

Origin: Los Caballeros Templarios (Knights Templar) is a splinter group

of La Familia Michoacán (LFM) that formed after the death of Nazario

Moreno Gonzalez, leader and founder of LFM. Like LFM, the Templars

indoctrinate its operatives to ―fight and die‖ for what they call ―social

justice.‖ They view themselves as protectors of the innocent people of

Michoacán and only murder those that deserve it. Their name originates

from a Christian military order formed in the 12th century, who were

charged with protecting the pilgrim routes in the Holy Land.

Modus Operandi: Los Caballeros Templarios deal primarily

in the sell and distribution of methamphetamine and operate

in the state of Michoacán. The group is also responsible for

many murders and extortions. It is broken down into small

cells led by a sub-commander operating in small villages in

Michoacán. Recently, the group distributed a small booklet

on their code of conduct divided into 53 points. They

promote a pseudo-religious ideology and try to present

themselves as the protectors of the citizens of Michoacán in

an effort to establish social support among the populace.

One of the fundamental rules is to respect the vow of silence

or otherwise be killed. The group is currently in a bloody

battle against their former allies, LFM.

Tunics and knight’s helmet found at a

Knights Templar training camp


UPDATES & ASSESSMENT

OPERATION BORDER STAR


Absconds 81

Bailouts 14

Criminal Arrests 517

Fugitive Arrests 276

Gang-Related Criminal Arrests 52

Pursuits 26

Scouts/Decoys 16

Caltrops 0

Splashdowns 0


IAs/Referrals 74

IAs/USBP 2,502

OTMs 946

Albania 3

OTM Countries

Bangladesh 3

Belize 3

Brazil 1

Chile 3

China 8

Columbia 11

Costa Rica 6

Cuba 1

Dominican Republic 9

Ecuador 21

El Salvador 293

Guatemala 208

Honduras 311

India 22

Nepal 7

Nicaragua 17

Nigeria 1

Peru 3

Philippines 3

Romania 1

Sri Lanka 7

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 162.06 lbs

Heroin 2.84 lbs


Currency $849,973.00

WeaponsHandgun(s) 16

Long Gun(s) 112


Stolen 8

Recovered 37

Combined totals from all Unified Commands during this reporting period:

*Prices based on NDIC mid-2010 average of Texas cities retail prices:

$551/lb marijuana, $29,508/lb cocaine, and $38,068/lb

methamphetamine.



OBS Weekly Assessment

Total Marijuana seizures were 53,459.37 lbs this week, an increase from 34,613.62

lbs last week. In the Laredo Sector, USBP Hebbronville agents at the checkpoint on

FM-1017 seized 98 bundles of marijuana, weighing of 5,269.7 lbs, concealed in a

tractor/trailer, within its cargo of wood chips. In the RGV Sector, there were eight

marijuana seizures over 1,000 lbs. In the RGV Sector, CBP Officers from the Pharr

POE seized 3,788.64 lbs of marijuana concealed inside a shipment of 498 doors that

were manifested from a 1997 Kenworth Tractor Trailer with MX license plates driven

by a MX citizen. In JUL 2011, there were two incidences of contraband concealed with

a wooden doors in the RGV Sector. As reported in the 15 JUL 2011 BOSA, DPS CID

Agents seized 63 lbs of marijuana concealed within the door and frame at a shipping

company. As reported in the 08 JUL 2011 BOSA, DPS CID Agents, along with USBP

Agents seized 329 lbs of marijuana concealed in stacked, hollowed out wooden

42,459.82

50,153.85

34,613.62

53,459.37

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Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Marijuana (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

doors, loaded on a tractor trailer near Edinburg, TX. The total estimated street value for reported

marijuana seizures during this reporting period is $29.2 million.



Since JAN 2011, the BOSA has reported on five incidences of

smugglers concealing contraband (marijuana and currency) in

the wall or lining of ice chests (coolers). The ice chests used

are various sizes and brands. During this reporting period,

THP Victoria Co seized 29.0 lbs of marijuana concealed in the

wall lining of an ice chest in a 2000 Ford Expedition SUV

traveling on US-59N from San Benito, TX to Houston, TX.

On 18 JAN 2011: THP Panhandle,

with the assistance of DEA from

Amarillo and Oklahoma City, seized

plastic wrapped bundles of US

currency, totaling $70,870 USD,

concealed within the liner of the ice

chest from a 2000 Pontiac

Montana traveling on IH-40.

On 10 FEB 2011, USBP

Agents at the SH-16

Checkpoint seized


concealed in an ice

chest, five gallon plastic

cans, and in the tool box

of a 2008 Ford F-250.

On 24 FEB 2011, THP

Cooke Co seized 38 lbs of

marijuana concealed in

the inner liner of an ice

chest located in the bed

of a 2004 Ford F-150

traveling on IH-35 from

Dallas, TX to Oklahoma

City, OK.

As reported in the 25

MAR 2011 BOSA,

McMullen Co SO seized

29 lbs of marijuana

concealed inside the

walls of an ice chest

transportedin a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck

traveling from Falcon Heights, TX, to

Dallas on SH-16N.

As reported in the 15

APR 2011 BOSA, a THP

Trooper near Rio Grande

City in Starr Co seized

20 lbs of marijuana

concealed inside an ice

chest from a 2001

Pontiac Grand Pix.

Coolers/ICE CHESTS



BOSA Revisited: Tanker Trailers

The BOSA has reported on seven incidences of tanker trailers used for smuggling

marijuana with five of these seizures occurring at the Falfurrias Checkpoint. During

this reporting period, THP Victoria Co seized 7,480 lbs of marijuana concealed in a

semi tanker trailer towed by a 2007 Freightliner tractor truck traveling on US-59N from

Pharr, TX, to Houston, TX. Reputed Juárez cartel co-founder Juan José Payán, who

was sentenced in the US in JUN 2011 to 18 years in prison, stated in an interviewwith

DEA Agents that he and his brother, Emilio Quintero Payán, moved 15,000 lb loads in

tanker trucks, largely through El Paso and Southern Texas.


As reported in the 03 JUN 2011, DPS THP and CID Wharton

Co, assisted by the Houston Money Laundering Initiative, in

the Coastal Bend Sector, seized two large marijuana loads of

9,422 lbs and 12,650 lbs from tankers pulled by a

International tractor.

9,422 lbs of

marijuana

12,650 lbs of

marijuana

09 SEPT 2010: In the Laredo Sector, THP Troopers seized 3,212 lbs of marijuana

concealed inside the tanker of a cloned Halliburton tractor-trailer.

USBP Agents – Falfurrias Checkpoint in tankers:

26 AUG BOSA : 4,824.45 lbs of marijuana

03 JUN 2011: 3,713.3 lbs of marijuana

30 MAY 2011: approximately 4,300 lbs of marijuana

25 FEB 2011: 1,965.2 lbs of marijuana

26 AUG 2011

BOSA


OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)

Cocaine seizures were 162.06 lbs this week, a decrease from 400.14 lbs last

week. The largest single seizure occurred in the Laredo Sector where CBP

Officers from the Hidalgo POE seized 58.07 lbs of cocaine concealed inside the

dash area of a 2011 Honda Civic with MX license plates. In the El Paso Sector,

CBP-OFO Officers at the Paso del Norte POE seized 52.5 lbs of cocaine that

was concealed underneath the rear seat of a 1998 Volkswagen. The total

estimated street value for reported cocaine seizures totaled $4.8 million.

Heroin and methamphetamine seizures for this week’s reporting period total 2.84 lbs and 68.06

lbs, valued at $2.6 million, respectively. In the Laredo Sector, USBP Laredo North Agents at the

IH-35 Checkpoint seized 44.6 lbs of methamphetamine from the trunk of a white 1984 Pontiac

Fiero. The vehicle stopped at MM 32, where the driver bailed out.

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Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Cocaine (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

583.93

249.03

400.17

162.06

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Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View

Last 4 Weeks2010 Weekly Average2011 Weekly Average


OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)

Bulk currency seizures totaled $849,973 USD this week, an increase

from $160,099 USD last week. The largest single seizure occurred in

the Laredo Sector where CBP Officers from the Hidalgo POE seized

$824,980 USC concealed in the vehicle quarter panels in a 1999 Ford

Escort with Mexican license plates.

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

and the criminal networks that support them of approximately $37.6 million.

Illegal alien apprehensions decreased from 2,552 last week to 2,502 this week. OTM apprehensions

increased from 836 last week to 946 this week. There were six ASIC apprehensions: one from the

Phillipines in the Marfa Sector and five (two from Philippines and 3 from Bangladesh) in the RGV Sector.

$0

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Currency Seizures ($) Long-Term View

Currency Seizures (USD) Long-Term Trendline

424,519

114,455160,099

849,973

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Currency Seizures ($) Short-Term ViewLast 4 Weeks2010 Weekly Average2011 Weekly Average


BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTERTEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

[email protected] Duty Phone: 512-424-7561

Fax: 512-424-7041

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

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

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

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