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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: 13 – 19 JUL 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Key Events and Findings
• In the RGV Sector, Cameron Co has had three seizures since APR 2011 of wooden crates
concealing marijuana found at commercial freight company warehouses.
• Since MAR 2011, there have been a total of four cocaine seizures, all with the same wrapping
and the words ―NO TOCAR‖ – Spanish for ―Do No Touch.‖ Two seizures occurred in the US,
one at the Eagle Pass POE and one in Ellis Co, and two seizures in Mexico, Coahuila, and
Nuevo Leon.
• The largest single cocaine seizure occurred in the RGV Sector where USBP Agents at the
Falfurrias Checkpoint seized 203 lbs of cocaine in the headliner of a Freightliner truck.
• Although seat concealments are not uncommon, there has been an increase in the use of this
method in the last several months. Two recent seizures involved electronically controlled
compartments in the back car seats.
• The largest single currency seizure occurred in the Coastal Bend Sector where THP Kleberg Co
seized $116,260 USD concealed in juice packages in a 2010 Jeep Patriot SUV traveling on US-
77S from Baytown to Matamoros, MX.
• On 12 JUL 2011, Mexican soldiers discovered the largest marijuana plantation ever detected in
Mexico, covering almost 300 acres and owned by Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin Guzman, aka
―El Chapo.‖ On 18 JUL 2011, authorities discovered a second marijuana plantation linked to the
Sinaloa cartel in Nuevo Casas Grandes, MX.
WARNING
Page 79 contains graphic images of victims who have succumbed to the environment while attempting to illegally enter the U.S.
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. 18-22
Del Rio Sector
p. 23-33
Laredo Sector
p. 34-44Rio Grande
Valley Sector
p. 45-60
Coastal Bend
Sector
p. 61-72
Statewide Corridor Seizures
p. 73-79
Overall Assessment
p. 100-108
Sig. Mexico Events
p. 80-99
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Operation BORDER STAR 13 – 19 JUL 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
EL PASO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 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 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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
El Paso SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:
Absconds --
Bailouts --
Criminal Arrests 92
Fugitive Arrests 47
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 11
Pursuits 3
Scouts/Decoys --
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals --
IAs/USBP 186
OTMs 13
Honduras 2
OTM Countries
El Salvador 3
Guatemala 4
North Korea 1
South Korea 1
Lebanon 1
China 1
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 1,740.92 lbs
Cocaine 34.74 lbs
Heroin 0.58 lbs
Methamphetamine --
Currency --
OtherHydrocodone (31 pills),
Ecstasy (15 pills),
Unidentified (40 pills)
Weapons
Handgun(s) 7
Long Gun(s) --
Explosive(s) --
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 23
Recovered 5
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
El Paso SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$3,475
$0 $0 $0$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Am
ou
nt
of
US
Cu
rre
ncy
Se
ize
d
El Paso UC Currency Seizures
1,371.37
2,006.64
1,019.32
1,740.92
0.00
500.00
1,000.00
1,500.00
2,000.00
2,500.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Mar
ijuan
a Se
ize
d
El Paso UC Marijuana Seizures
97.18
55.43
31.03
34.74
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Co
cain
e S
eiz
ed
El Paso UC Cocaine Seizures
167
199
183
186
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Nu
mb
er
of
IAs
Ap
pre
he
nd
ed
El Paso UC Illegal Aliens
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Twelve gang-related incidents were reported during this period involving sixteen arrests of
members from nine different gangs. There were eleven criminal arrests and five fugitive arrests.
The incidents involved: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Controlled
Substance, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Assault on a Public Servant, Failure to Identify/
Give False Information, Resisting Arrest, Give False Information, and Criminal Trespass.
Bloods Lopez Maravilla Barrio Azteca Insane Vice Lords
Folk Surenos Brown Pride West Side Locos
Crips
Gang activity for the week of 14 JUL 2011 thru 20 JUL 2011
Lopez Maravilla used to fly Sureno colors, however they
were allowed to separate themselves from the Sureno sets
and started using green as their color. The El Paso PD gang
database shows approximately 52 confirmed Lopez Maravilla
members.
Brown Pride is a Sureno set located
throughout El Paso. The El Paso PD
gang database shows approximately 19
confirmed members.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
52.69 lbs of marijuana
2009 Toyota Scion
Concealment: Doors and
quarter panels
CBP Officers at the Bridge of the Americas
13 JUL 2011
15 JUL 2011
50.77 lbs of marijuana
1993 Dodge Caravan
Concealment: Firewall
217.51 lbs of marijuana
2000 Ford F-150
Concealment: Mattress in
bed of pickup
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
169.98 lbs of marijuana
Concealment: Frame of an empty cement hopper car
CBP Officers at the Bridge of the Americas (Railroad Inspection Detail)
13 JUL 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
95.02 lbs of marijuana
Concealment: False compartment built into the undercarriage of a boxcar
CBP Officers at the Bridge of the Americas (Railroad Inspection Detail)
and BNSF Railroad Police
15 JUL 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CBP Officers at the Paso del Norte POE
0.015 lbs of marijuana and 0.57 lbs of heroin
1997 Toyota Camry
Concealment: Subject’s clothing (groin area)
17 JUL 2011
34.72 lbs of cocaine
2007 Chevrolet Uplander
Concealment: Gas tank
16 JUL 2011
97.66 lbs of marijuana
2002 Chrysler Sebring
Concealment: Four doors,
dashboard, rear bumper,
back seat and firewall
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CBP Officers at the Ysleta POE
105.12 lbs of marijuana
1978 Chevrolet Nova
Concealment: Rocker panels, front quarter
panels
15 JUL 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CBP Officers at the Columbus, NM, POE
288.81 lbs of marijuana
1997 Dodge Ram pickup
Concealment: False floor compartment in the
truck bed; side panels in the cab area
15 JUL 2011
CBP Officers at the Bridge of the Americas POE
17 JUL 2011
145.15 lbs of marijuana
2003 Jeep Liberty
Concealment: Rear quarter
panels, floor of cargo area
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
On 13 JUL 2011, El Paso CID agents recovered 24 stolen
vehicles from Mexico. The property value of the vehicles
recovered was set at $391,875 USD
For the week ending on 16 JUL 2011, the Border
Auto Theft Information Center (BATIC) received
3,357 inquiries/callers requesting information on suspicious
vehicles. The BATIC Specialists responded affirmatively to 49 of
these calls with stolen vehicle information being forwarded to the
requesting officers. For the week, seven vehicles were returned
back to the US with a property value calculated at $92,675 USD
On 16 JUL 2011, an El Paso PD Officer stopped a 1998 blue Ford Expedition driven by Mario
Reynoso, with Angela Viscaino as a passenger. A check of the vehicle revealed that it had been
reported stolen on 14 JUL 2011. Further investigation revealed that Reynoso and Viscaino had
worked together to take the vehicle from the owner. The El Paso PD Auto Theft Task Force
assisted with the investigation and both subjects were charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor
Vehicle. Recovered 1998 blue Ford
Expedition
Angela
VISCAINO
DOB
01/21/1981
Mario
REYNOSO
DOB
07/09/1978
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment
City-wide index crime continues to show a decreased rate
of 8% as compared to the same time frame last year.
There is a noted 1,300% increase (14) in murders, a 30%
increase (29) in sexual assaults, a 2% decrease (5) in
robberies, a 4% decrease (228) in assaults, a 9%
decrease (96) in burglary, a 11% decrease (846) in
larceny, a 16% decrease (146) in vehicle theft, and a 3%
(44) decrease in vehicle burglary.Population of El Paso: 649,121 (2010 Census)
Population El Paso City and County: 700,000
Population figures do not reflect the individuals fleeing Cd.
Juarez to El Paso due to the on going DTO Violence
Murder, 1Sexual Aslt, 96
Robbery, 245
Aslt, 6,288
Burglary, 1,032
Larceny , 7,589
Veh Theft, 893
*Burg Vehicle , 1,390
Murder
Sexual Aslt
Robbery
Aslt
Burglary
Larceny
Veh Theft
*Burg Vehicle
City Wide for week ending 16 Jul 2010
Murder, 14
Sexual Aslt, 125
Robbery, 240
Aslt, 6,060
Burglary, 936
Larceny , 6,743
Veh Theft, 747
*Burg Vehicle , 1,346
Murder
Sexual Aslt
Robbery
Aslt
Burglary
Larceny
Veh Theft
*Burg Vehicle
City Wide for week ending 16 Jul 2011
Citywide (YTD through Jul 16th 2011)
Offense 2010 2011 % Change
Murder 1 14 1,300%
Sexual Aslt 96 125 30%
Robbery 245 240 -2%
Aslt 6,288 6,060 -4%
Burglary 1,032 936 -9%
Larceny 7,589 6,743 -11%
Veh Theft 893 747 -16%
*Burg Vehicle 1,390 1,346 -3%
Total: 16,144 14,865 -8%
*** Crime Rate: 2,504 2,306 -8%
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
The El Paso Sector experienced increases in the seizures of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and assorted
pills. There were no reported seizures of currency or methamphetamine during this reporting period.
There was an decrease in the number of reported stolen vehicles. El Paso PD and/or El Paso Co SO
reported five recovered stolen vehicles.
Of the total 1,729 lbs of marijuana seized at the POEs: 778 lbs was seized at the Bridge of the Americas
POE, 177 lbs at the Ysleta POE, 97 lbs at the Paso Del Norte POE, 259 lbs at Santa Teresa POE, and
415 lbs in the Lordsburg area. There were 17 reported marijuana seizures across the POEs, and one
cocaine seizure at Paso Del Norte POE totaling 34.72 lbs. The El Paso PD reported eight marijuana
seizures totaling 11.54 lbs, and five cocaine seizure totaling 0.021 lbs.
The predominate concealment methods during this reporting period were the use of quarter panels (4),
and two incidents each of the following: fuel tanks, firewall, bumper, rail car, vehicle tires and vehicle floor.
There was one incident each involved the use of a vehicle rear seat, dashboard, rocker panels, and
vehicle cargo area.
During this reporting period, 186 IAs were apprehended. IA apprehensions increased by 3 from the
previous week’s 183. Total reported IA apprehensions within the El Paso Sector from 5 JAN through 12
JUL 2011 were 6,503, with 426 being Other Than Mexican (OTM).
El Paso Unified Command Sector Assessment (cont)
From 6/30 – 7/05 (17 OTM Apprehensions)From 7/06 – 7/12 (09 OTM Apprehensions)From 7/13 – 7/19 (13 OTM Apprehensions)
Leading IA OTM’s from 5 JAN to DateGuatemala 116
Honduras 74El Salvador 64Brazil 43India 26
HONDU, 18
ELSAL, 6
ECUAD, 2
GUATE, 23
KENYA, 1
URUGU, 1
VIETN, 2
N KOREA, 1 S KOREA, 1 CHINA, 1
LEBAN, 1
HONDU
ELSAL
ECUAD
GUATE
KENYA
URUGU
VIETN
N KOREA
S KOREA
CHINA
LEBAN
OTM Apprehensions between 23 JUN - 19 JUL 2011
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 SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 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 --
Bailouts --
Criminal Arrests 67
Fugitive Arrests 1
Gang Related Criminal Arrests --
Pursuits --
Scouts/Decoys --
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 1
IAs/USBP 26
OTMs 2
OTM CountriesGuatemala 1
Tajikistan 1
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 4.04 lbs
Cocaine --
Heroin --
Methamphetamine 0.01 lbs
Currency --
Other
Hashish (0.04 lbs),
Psilocybin Mushrooms (0.18lbs),
Ambien (49.5 pills),
Xanax (73 pills),
2 Hydrocodone (2 pills),
99 Credit Cards
Weapons
Handgun(s) 3
Long Gun(s) --
Explosive(s) --
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 0
Recovered 0
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Marfa SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$0
$24,614
$0 $0$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Am
ou
nt
of
US
Cu
rre
ncy
Se
ize
d
Marfa UC Currency Seizures
1,708.92
691.17
888.54
4.040.00
200.00
400.00
600.00
800.00
1,000.00
1,200.00
1,400.00
1,600.00
1,800.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Mar
ijuan
a Se
ized
Marfa UC Marijuana Seizures
0.08 0.00
4.84
0.000.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Co
cain
e S
eiz
ed
Marfa UC Cocaine Seizures
46
38
38
26
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Nu
mb
er
of
IAs
Ap
pre
he
nd
ed
Marfa UC Illegal Aliens
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Southbound OperationsHudspeth Co SO held southbound operations in Hudspeth Co. Eight deputies were
involved in the operations. Activity information was not available.
Additional information
Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 0.41 lbs of marijuana,
two handguns, 99 pre-paid debit cards (all bearing different
names), two notebooks containing biographical
information of different individuals, and apprehended two
USCs at the IH-10 Checkpoint. The subjects and marijuana
were referred to Hudspeth Co SO for state prosecution. The
firearms were turned over to the ATF. The debit cards and
notebooks were turned over to the Secret Service.
Presidio Co SO with assistance from Marfa USBP Agents located two (2) USCs in Marfa,
attempting to burglarize a building. One subject was processed by PCSO for state
prosecution. The other subject was released.
On 16 JUL 2011, the body of a 24-year-old male from Chihuahua, Mexico, who died of a
heat stroke while traveling northward with four other illegal immigrants was found. When
he became ill and collapsed, two of his friends set out to get help while two others
stayed with him. Before they could return Victor Adan Orozco-Garcia passed away. His
friends covered him with rocks to protect him from predators. The two men who went in
search of help found and directed USBP to the location.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment
The total marijuana seized this week decreased to 4 lbs in comparison to last week’s
888 lbs. Intelligence from federal, state, and local agencies indicates backpackers are still
delivering along US-90 in the Valentine area. Intelligence revealed that one group of backpackers
stashed their marijuana and returned to Mexico due to two of the backpackers suffering from
dehydration from the intense heat. This same group is supposedly returning this week to collect the
marijuana and deliver it. Ongoing investigations by area agencies confirm that loads of marijuana
have passed through the area and delivery completed. With the river levels at near record lows,
crossing the border almost anywhere in this area does not present the obstacle normally
encountered.
There was 0.01 lbs of methamphetamine seized this week. There was a seizure of 2 Hydrocodone
pills, 73 Xanax pills 49.5, and Ambien pills seized at the IH-10 Checkpoint in Hudspeth Co. All
other categories reported decreases or remained the same.
The 17-year-old NAFTA agreement has been renewed, and the US has signaled it will honor the
original agreement. Mexico will in turn eliminate its tariffs. The new agreement requires Mexican
trucks meet US standards in order to qualify for the permits needed to cross the border. In
Presidio, US CBP inspects 600-800 trucks a month, which will unlikely change with the new
agreement. A Customs spokesman said ―…the real point of impact is beyond the port of
entry/border zone.‖ ―Trucks going deeper into the US will have to be inspected again by USDOT.‖
Additional information
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
DEL RIO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 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 17
Bailouts 5
Criminal Arrests 15
Fugitive Arrests 11
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 1
Pursuits 1
Scouts/Decoys 4
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 2
IAs/USBP 366
OTMs 182
Countries
El Salvador 34
Guatemala 23
Honduras 121
Nicaragua 3
Ecuador 1
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 1,831.21 lbs
Cocaine 59.8 lbs
Heroin --
Methamphetamine --
Currency $3,530
Other 60 Xanax pills
Weapons
Handgun(s) --
Long Gun(s) --
Tactical Vest 1
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen --
Recovered 2
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Del Rio Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$0 $0 $0
$3,530
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Am
ou
nt
of
US
Cu
rre
ncy
Se
ize
d
Del Rio UC Currency Seizures
2,071.45
48.06
1,876.48
1,831.21
0.00
500.00
1,000.00
1,500.00
2,000.00
2,500.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Mar
ijuan
a Se
ize
d
Del Rio UC Marijuana Seizures
0.00 0.00
81.22
59.80
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Co
cain
e S
eiz
ed
Del Rio UC Cocaine Seizures
458
134
266
366
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Nu
mb
er
of
IAs
Ap
pre
he
nd
ed
Del Rio UC Illegal Aliens
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Gang activityUSBP Agents observed a white 2003 Ford F-250 and a white 2003 Saturn Ion traveling in tandem
on US-57 in Batesville, TX. The Ford pickup matched the description of a vehicle that Zavala Co
SO was trying to locate. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Temple, TX. A Zavala Co SO
Deputy pursued the vehicles with the Agents following to assist. The Saturn overtook the Deputy
traveling at a high rate of speed. The pickup turned off US-57 in La Pryor, TX. The driver stopped
and bailed out at Matteson and Brewer Sts where he was apprehended the USBP Agent. The
Saturn continued on US-57 until it was stopped with spike strips deployed by Maverick Co SO at
US-57 and FM-481, approx. ¼ mile north of the US-57 USBP Checkpoint in Maverick Co. The
driver of the pickup is suspected of a gang affiliation with TANGO OREJON. Zavala Co SO took
custody of both subjects and vehicles.
Bailout location of
Ford F-250 in La Pryor
Pursuit of Saturn Ion and Ford F-250
start location (A), Pursuit of Ford F-250
ending with Bailout (B), Pursuit of Saturn
ion ending with spikes deployed (C)USBP Checkpoint
Pursuit Route
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Gang activity
Right Arm Left arm
Indicative of Mexican Mafia
A Val Verde SO Deputy performed a traffic
stop on a red 2000 Ford Mustang on Leonel
Martinez Blvd at San Juan St, in Del Rio, TX.
A consensual search of the vehicle produced
negative results, but the subject had an
outstanding warrant for Possession of
Marijuana from the 63rd District Court of Val
Verde Co. He also had tattoos which
indicated affiliation with the MEXICAN
MAFIA and TEXAS SYNDICATE, but denied
association with either gang. The subject was
arrested and taken to the Val Verde Co
Correctional Facility.
Indicative of Texas Syndicate
Right shoulder
USBP, assisted by DPS Air 116, located three
suspected IAs heading towards Carrizo
Springs, TX. The three subjects were taken
into custody by USBP.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
USBP Agents observed twelve subjects cross Frontera Rd, three miles south of the Del Rio Intl
Airport. Ten of the subjects were carrying large bundles, one subject was using night vision
goggles, and another was carrying a bundle and separated from the group. The individual with
the night vision goggles abandoned the group when the Agents were spotted. When the Agents
apprehended the subject, the remaining subjects stashed their bundles, and fled towards Mexico. The
Agents seized eight bundles containing 615.5 lbs (288 bricks) of marijuana. Four subjects, the
contraband, and the night vision goggles were turned over to the DEA.
Additional information
A Dimmit Co Deputy Constable served search and
arrest warrants at a residence in the 900 blk of
Zimmerman St, Carrizo Springs, TX. During the course
of the search, the Deputy Constable located and seized
60 Xanax pills, 0.625 lb of marijuana, and $3,530
USD. One of the subjects, a convicted felon, was also
in possession of a tactical bullet-proof vest. Two
subjects were arrested and transported to the county
jail. USBP and the US Marshals Service assisted.
USBP Agents observed a 1999 Chrysler 300 parked on the river
road next to the Rio Grande, east of US-277, in Normandy, TX. The
Agents also observed three subjects load what appeared to be three
large sacks into the rear seat of the vehicle. When the three subjects
saw the Agents, they absconded back to Mexico. The driver of the
vehicle failed to yield, executed a U-turn and subsequently wrecked
the vehicle. Two juvenile subjects (1-USC and 1-MX) bailed out of
the vehicle, and were found attempting to hide in the brush. The
three sacks contained 240 lbs of marijuana. DPS-CID took custody
of the subjects and contraband. The vehicle was impounded.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information
Rounded seat
Packages under the seat cushion, layer
of cardboard over to conceal shape
Folded down rear seat, bundles in back
CBP-OFO Officers working the Del Rio POE referred a maroon 2004 Ford F-350 to
secondary inspection. At secondary inspection, Officers noticed the rear seat
seemed rounded, and a search of the seat revealed multiple bundles of marijuana. A
total of 53.93 lbs of marijuana were seized. The subject and marijuana were turned
over to ICE; the vehicle was impounded.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional informationCBP-OFO Officers, working Operation UNIFIED SURGE, discovered 59.8 lbs of
cocaine in the lead-lined rear quarter panels of a 2004 Dodge Durango at the
Eagle Pass POE #1. The subject claimed to have been in Mexico to visit a doctor,
but stated that he could not locate the desired physician, and decided to return
home to San Antonio. The subject displayed nervous behavior, and a K-9 alerted
to the rear quarter panels of the vehicle. ICE took custody of the subject and
contraband. The vehicle was impounded.
Tampered bolts
View of hidden compartment
in rear quarter panels
Close up of compartment – outside casing is ―lead‖
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Three incidents of scouting were encountered:
1. On 12 JUL 2011, a Val Verde Co SO Deputy stopped a green 1998 Lexus LS400, on US-90 in
Val Verde Co.
2. On 14 JUL 2011, USBP Agents attempt to stop a white Chevrolet Tahoe in tandem with a 1999
Dodge Caravan; ending with a bailout on RR-674 in Kinney Co.
3. On 16 JUL 2011, a Kinney Co SO Deputy, assisted by USBP, stopped a red 2000 Nissan
Frontier at the intersection of FM-2523 and RR-3008. While interviewing the subject, he asked
the USBP Agent what type of rifles they carried and if they used License Plate Readers. The
subject stated to the Deputy that is was unusual to see them in the area.
1 2
3
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Beginning with a
seizure in March,
there have been a
total of four
cocaine seizures
with the same
wrapping. Two of
the seizures were
in the US, one at
the Eagle Pass
POE and one in
Ellis Co. The other
two seizures were
in Mexico, one in
Coahuila and one
in Nuevo Leon.
The packages are
all wrapped in a
paper with the
words ―NO
TOCAR‖ –
Spanish for ―Do
No Touch.‖
TR
EN
D –
Sim
ila
r P
ac
ka
gin
g
28 APR 2011
61.1 lbs of cocaine
Eagle Pass POE, Bridge #2
Floor board false
compartment under the
center console
06 MAR 2011
62.9 lbs of cocaine
IH-35 in Ellis Co (originated out
of Eagle Pass)
Concealed in the gas tank
14 JUL 2011
286.6 lbs of cocaine
San Nicolas de los Garza,
Nuevo Leon
25 MAY 2011
2,204 lbs of cocaine
40 mi from Monclavo, Coahuila,
Mexico
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Del Rio Sector Unified Command Sector Assessment
The weekly average for the Del Rio Sector from JAN 2011 to present is 1,865 lbs. This reporting
period, the Del Rio Unified Command reported 1,831.21 lbs. Of note, the largest marijuana seizure
of 615.5 lbs included the seizure of night vision goggles. There was 59.8 lbs of cocaine seized at
the Eagle Pass POE Bridge #2, in a lead-lined compartment, similar to last week’s 81.22 lbs of
cocaine seized from a lead-lined rocker panel. While separate incidents, both are indicators of
emerging techniques in an attempt to avoid detection.
Illegal Alien apprehensions were up again this week, and almost double that of two weeks ago.
This is unusual, as the sector normally sees a direct correlation between high IA apprehensions and
an increase in stolen vehicles recovered (which continues to be low). Pursuits (including failure to
yield incidents with USBP), bailouts, scouts/decoys, absconds, and fugitive arrests also increased.
The other areas remained the same, or had a reduction.
There continues to be calls from IAs to the USBP for assistance when they have become
dehydrated and/or disoriented while attempting to illegally enter the US.
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
F R I O
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
LAREDO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 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 6
Bailouts 6
Criminal Arrests 12
Fugitive Arrests 1
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 2
Pursuits 4
Scouts/Decoys --
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 51
IAs/USBP 668
OTMs 224
OTM Countries
Brazil 1
China 4
Cuba 1
Dominican Republic 1
Ecuador 3
El Salvador 45
Guatemala 76
Honduras 78
India 7
Nicaragua 6
Peru 1
Sri Lanka 1
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 3,681.45 lbs
Cocaine 57.97 lbs
Heroin --
Methamphetamine --
Currency $1,100.00
Other: 700 Ecstasy pills,
550 ml Liquid Steroids
Weapons
Handgun(s) --
Long Gun(s) --
Grenades(s) --
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen --
Recovered --
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Laredo SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$0 $0 $0
$1,100
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Am
ou
nt
of
US
Cu
rre
ncy
Se
ize
d
Laredo UC Currency Seizures
2,187.15
2,092.10
2,809.80
3,681.45
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
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Mar
ijuan
a Se
ize
d
Laredo UC Marijuana Seizures
177.38
0.0211.40
57.97
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00
140.00
160.00
180.00
200.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Co
cain
e S
eiz
ed
Laredo UC Cocaine Seizures
523
551
453
668
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Nu
mb
er
of
IAs
Ap
pre
he
nd
ed
Laredo UC Illegal Aliens
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Gang ActivityOn 15 JUL 2011, Jim Hogg Co SO Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a blue Dodge Caravan on TX-359
approximately one mile east of Hebbronville, TX. USBP Agents assisted in taking custody of the occupants,
which included one legal permanent resident, two adult USCs, 5 juvenile USCs, and two IAs. One of the
occupants was a male HERMANDAD DE PISTOLEROS LATINOS (HPL) gang member with prior Aiding and
Abetting Conviction. The vehicle was seized by Jim Hogg Co. SO. The subject was turned over to ICE.
On 16 JUL 2011, USBP Hebbronville Agents working at the TX-16 Checkpoint, Hebbronville, TX,
conducted an immigration inspection on a group of subjects. The agents arrested a male
MEXICAN MAFIA gang member for aiding and abetting.
Additional Information
On 11 JUL 2011, Webb Co Deputy observed a grey 2003 Ford Focus pull onto the median
between the Frontage Rd and Rio Bravo exit of US-83S. The driver bailed out and absconded.
The Deputy located 204.3 lbs of marijuana concealed within the trunk. No apprehensions
were made. The vehicle was seized.
On 13 JUL 2011, Webb Co Deputies arrested three subjects at the 5700 block of San Bernardo
St. in Laredo, TX, after subjects were observed dropping a large package at a delivery store.
Deputies search the package and discovered 12.5 lbs of marijuana. A silver 2002 Nissan
Altima was seized.
On 08 JUL 2011, Webb Co Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a white 2003 Chevrolet pickup
traveling on US-83N near Rio Bravo,TX. The vehicle made a u-turn, almost striking another
Deputy's unit, and proceeded to evade southbound. Laredo JOIC notified DPS and Zapata Co
SO of the pursuit and both agencies assisted. The vehicle crashed in Ramireno, TX, where the
driver attempted to flee on foot. The male subject was found to be in this country illegally and
was apprehended at the scene. Deputies discovered 600 lbs of marijuana in an external fuel
tank and in the bed of the vehicle. Webb Co arrested the subject and took possession of the
contraband. Zapata Co SO seized the vehicle.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information
On 14 JUL 2011, Jim Hogg CO SO assisted a Constable Unit on Kohler St in
Hebbronville, TX. A black 1997 Chevrolet 1500 pickup had parked at a residence on
Kohler St and the driver and passenger absconded from the vehicle. A search of the
vehicle revealed nine illegal aliens inside of the pickup. The vehicle was seized and the
IAs were turned over to USBP.
On 13 JUL 2011, Jim Hogg Co SO Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a maroon 1998
Chevy 1500 pickup, traveling on TX-359E, near Hebbronville, TX. A brief pursuit resulted
in a bailout. The driver and four subjects were apprehended. One subject absconded.
The driver and four subjects were turned over to USBP. Vehicle was seized.
On 13 JUL 2011, a THP Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2002 Ford pickup traveling on
TX-16. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle crashed through a fence where several subjects
absconded into the brush. Three male subjects were apprehended. Two duffel bags
containing 37.4 lbs of marijuana were located inside the vehicle. Subjects and
marijuana were turned over to CID and the vehicle was seized.
On 13 JUL 2011, a THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2002 Pontiac passenger
vehicle traveling on US-83N in Webb Co. Verbal consent to search was obtained and a
bundle of marijuana was discovered with a total weight of 7.45 lbs. The male driver was
arrested and vehicle was impounded.
On 15 JUL 2011, DPS CID Agents, assisted by Webb Co Deputies, executed
a consent to search of a residence located on Galisteo Rd, in Laredo, TX.
Subsequent search revealed 700 ecstasy pills, 300 ml Nadrolone
Decanoate, 250 ml Omnadren (both steroids), and $1,100 USD. One male
subject was arrested.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
On 13 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo North Agents seized 429 lbs of marijuana
from the trunk of a 2003 BMW passenger vehicle at the IH-35 Checkpoint.
The male driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.
DRIVER:
Daniel Mikolajczyk
07/26/1967
On 13 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo North agents working by the TX-MX railroad bridge on Ventura St.
in Laredo, TX, seized 66.1 lbs of abandoned marijuana.
On 19 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo North Agents working the IH-35 Checkpoint initiated a secondary
inspection on a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by a female. The agents seized 58.9 lbs of marijuana
discovered inside two black duffle bags located inside the trunk of the vehicle. The driver and
marijuana were turned over to DEA.
On 18 JUL 2011, USBP Freer Agents working at the US-59 Checkpoint near Freer,
TX, initiated a secondary inspection on a Flecha Roja bus. The agents discovered
14.7 lbs of abandoned marijuana inside a black suitcase in the luggage cargo area.
The marijuana was turned over to DEA.
On 13 JUL 2011, CBP/OFO Officers seized 57.97 lbs of cocaine at the Gateway to
Americas Bridge in Laredo, TX. The cocaine was concealed within the seats of a grey
2008 Ford Fusion. The male driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
On 13 JUL 2011, USBP Agents, while working at the
TX-16 Checkpoint in Hebbronville, TX, referred a brown
Ford F-350 pickup hauling a two-horse trailer for
secondary inspection due to a K-9 alert. After further
inspection of the trailer, a non-factory compartment was
found to contain 832.6 lbs of marijuana. The non
factory compartment was lead-lined. DEA assumed
custody of the contraband, vehicle, subject, and horse
trailer.
DRIVER:FlorentinoROSALES-
Garcia03/03/1974
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
On 18 JUL 2011, USBP Zapata Agents working the US-83
Checkpoint conducted a secondary inspection on a Valley
Transit Bus in Zapata, TX. A Service K-9 alerted to the
luggage compartment of the bus. A search of the
compartment revealed 8.7 lbs of marijuana inside six
vacuum-sealed bags within a black backpack, which no one
claimed. No arrests were made and the marijuana was
turned over to DEA.
On 19 JUL 2011, USBP Zapata Agents conducted a traffic stop on a grey 2002 Saturn off of US-83
near Dolores, TX. The vehicle suddenly turned down a dirt road where the driver bailed out and
absconded into the brush. The agents discovered 49.7 lbs of abandoned marijuana inside the
vehicle. The marijuana and the vehicle were turned over to DEA.
On 19 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo South Agents seized
335.6 lbs of abandoned marijuana on a ranch near
Laredo, TX. The marijuana was turned over to DEA.
On 20 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo South Agents seized four
bundles of abandoned marijuana, weighing a total of
182.3 lbs, near the riverbank outside of Laredo, TX. Agents
observed three subjects absconding back to Mexico. The
abandoned contraband was turned over to DEA.
On 18 JUL 2011, National Guard Counter Drug Aircrew assisted Laredo South Agents with the
apprehension of 15 IA subjects in South Laredo. A total of 16 subjects were turned back.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
On 13 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo West Agents responding to an anonymous
caller conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2002 Chevy Tahoe driven by a male on
FM-255, Laredo, TX. The agents seized 340 lbs of marijuana. The driver and
the marijuana were turned over to DEA. The vehicle was seized by the USBP.
DRIVER:
Roberto Alfonso
Melendez
12/18/1982
On 18 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo West Agents working
TX-255 and Mines Road, Laredo, TX, encountered a
white and grey 1987 Ford F-150 pickup that was stopped
on the side of TX-255. Three subjects bailed out and
absconded into the brush. Agents discovered 217.8 lbs
of abandoned marijuana in the vehicle. The vehicle
was seized and the marijuana was turned over to DEA.
On 14 JULY 2011, National Guard Counter Drug Aircrew assisted USBP Laredo West
Agents in seizing 284.4 lbs of abandoned marijuana near the Colombia Port of Entry,
in Laredo, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
On 12 JUL 2011, private industry workers were leaving a site off of TX-97 near Cotulla, TX,
when they spotted a plane landing in an open field. A suspicious SUV was spotted heading at a high rate of speed toward the airplane. The airplane had no visible tail number. Based on
the geographical coordinates, the plane landed approximately 61 nautical miles from the
Laredo Airport.
ANALYST NOTE: The plane landed in what is known as a Military Operational Area (MOA), which is a special use airspace routinely utilized for training and/or testing
maneuvers. This is not restricted airspace or prohibited airspace. When active, non-participating planes are simply diverted away from the space to ensure safety during
training maneuvers.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment
The Laredo Unified Command had an increase in marijuana seizures this reporting
period. The largest single marijuana seizure this week was 832.6 lbs, seized by
USBP Hebbronville Agents, at the TX-16 Checkpoint. The contraband was concealed
within a lead-lined false compartment of a horse trailer. Cocaine seizures
increased significantly with a 57.97 lb seizure concealed within the seats of a passenger vehicle.
According to CBP/OFO, seat concealments have increased at the POEs from Brownsville to Del
Rio. No methamphetamine or currency seizures were reported this week. With the exception of an
$1,100 USD seizure made at a Webb Co residence, there has not been a southbound currency
seizure for five consecutive weeks.
Alien apprehensions increased significantly this period, however OTMs decreased slightly.
Additionally, the Unified Command had an increase in IA referrals this week.
No stolen vehicles were reported this week and no stolen vehicles were recovered.
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 SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 2011
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
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 4Bailouts 5Criminal Arrests 56
Fugitive Arrests 1Gang Related Criminal Arrests 48Pursuits 6Scouts/Decoys --Spikings --Splash Downs --
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 17,654.91 lbs
Cocaine 309.7 lbs
Heroin 21.2 lbs
Methamphetamine --
Currency $ 19,942.00
Other --
Weapons
Handgun(s) 6
Long Gun(s) 10Explosive(s) --
Vehicles Stolen / RecoveredStolen 2Recovered 4
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 34
IAs/USBP 1124OTMs 484
OTM Countries
Columbia 2
El Salvador 128
Guatemala 168
Honduras 103India 49
Ecuador 11
Costa Rica 3Zambia 1
China 13
Eritrea 1Nicaragua 1
Nepal 3Portugal 1
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Rio Grande Valley SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
$25,856
$220,005
$44,060
$19,942$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Am
ou
nt
of
US
Cu
rre
ncy
Se
ize
d
RGV UC Currency Seizures
27,331.52
21,637.43
21,983.00
17,654.91
0.00
5,000.00
10,000.00
15,000.00
20,000.00
25,000.00
30,000.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Mar
ijuan
a Se
ize
d
RGV UC Marijuana Seizures
288.54
81.46
117.05
309.70
0.00
50.00
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Co
cain
e S
eiz
ed
RGV UC Cocaine Seizures
859
1,033
1,160 1,124
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Nu
mb
er
of
IAs
Ap
pre
he
nd
ed
RGV UC Illegal Aliens
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Gang activity
The Hidalgo Co SO Gang Intelligence Unit reported 48 gang-related 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, driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana,
assault causing serious bodily injury, evading arrest, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, theft
of property, burglary of vehicle, burglary of habitation, contempt of child support, failure to register
as sex offender, resisting arrest, theft of property, possession of controlled substance, credit/debit
card abuse, unlawful carrying of weapon, aggravated assault on public servant, failure to identify,
criminal trespass, reckless driving, criminal mischief, purchase/furnish alcohol to minor, and
obstructed license plate. The arrestees have gang affiliation with:
Valluco Texas Chicano Brothers Sureno 13
Loco Trece Partido Revolucionario Mexicanos Bloods
Tri-City Bombers Mexican Mafia Latin Kings
Texas Syndicate Po’ Boys Norteno 14
Paisa Hermanos Pistoleros Pharrolito
Southbound Operations
The Pharr PD in conjunction with CBP conducted Southbound Operations at the Pharr International
Bridge.
Edinburg PD Officers responded to the Love’s Truck Stop in reference to a trucker who
reported noise and movement coming from the top of his truck. Upon inspection,
Officers found two female IAs hiding in the wind scoop. They were released to USBP
Agents.
Additional Information
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Rio Grande City USBP Agents seized several weapons and ammunition near Fronton, TX. Agents
discovered a large duffel bag hidden in some brush near the Rio Grande. Agents inspected the
contents of the duffel bag and discovered six assault rifles, 26 magazines, and 363-rds of ammo in
various calibers. No subjects were arrested. ATF assumed custody of the firearms, ammo and gun
magazines. ANALYST NOTE: Please see the next slide reference for past weapons and marijuana seizures in
the Fronton, TX, area.
Additional information
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
N
Reported Seizures since October 2010 in the FRONTON, TX, area
Since OCT 2010, there has been a noted increase in illegal activity in the FRONTON, TX, area. In JAN 2011, two weapons seizures occurred in the area
after weapons, grenades and tactical gear were found abandoned in the brush. One seizure had a rifle with F. MICH and CDG engraved into the butt of the stock. In JUN 2011, a total of 6,546 lbs of marijuana was seized from various incidents. Since 28 DEC 2010, the RGV JOIC has reported 26,219 lbs
marijuana seized from the FRONTON area.
Since OCT 2010 total weapons seizures include:
22 Assault Rifles4 Grenades
1 Grenade Launcher54 Magazines
623-rds Ammo3 two-way Radios
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
16 MAR 2011
M67
MKII
21 JAN 2011
21 JAN 2011
MKII
16 MAR 2011
16 MAR 2011
05 JAN 2011
18 JUL2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information
USBP Agents requested DPS Air 108 to assist in a criminal search near the Rio Grande, just south
of Mission, TX. The Aircrew located and apprehended a total of 12 suspects. One suspect fled to
the south near the river and was believed to have crossed back into Mexico.
USBP Agents requested assistance from DPS Air 108 to search west of
Abram, TX. The Aircrew searched just south of Military Hwy and located a
group of 16 suspects hiding in a wooded area. Ground agents were guided
into the group and all 16 subjects were apprehended. Ten of the
suspects were OTMs from India.
Cameron County SO SIU Investigators received information of a suspicious crate that
had been picked up by a local freight company. A K-9 Unit conducted a free air search
of the crate and alerted. Investigators obtained a search warrant and seized 1,482 lbs
of marijuana from the crate.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
Cameron Co SO requested assistance from DPS Air 108 in locating a suicidal subject in a black
Jeep SUV in the Boca Chica Beach area approximately 2 miles north of the entrance. The subject,
thought to be armed, had consumed valium and alcohol. The Aircrew located a vehicle and
observed a white male in the driver seat. The Aircrew notified Deputies of the vehicles location.
The Aircrew landed on the beach and an Aircrew member made contact with the highly intoxicated
and disoriented subject. The subject and vehicle were secured until CCSO deputies arrived.
CBP Officers from the Hidalgo POE inspected an inbound 2002 GMC Sierra with TX license plates.
A secondary inspection of the vehicle revealed 104.4 lbs of marijuana concealed inside the tires of
the vehicle. The male Mexican driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CBP Officers from the Pharr POE inspected an inbound 2001 Oldsmobile Alero with TX license
plates. A secondary inspection of the vehicle revealed 27.56 lbs of cocaine concealed in the
rear seat of the vehicle. The male USC driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.
CBP Officers from the Anzalduas
POE inspected an inbound 2000
Ford Expedition with MX license
plates. A secondary inspection of
the vehicle revealed 14.37 lbs of
cocaine concealed on the
occupants of the vehicle. Two
Mexican females were arrested and
the vehicle was seized.
Additional information (cont)
Starr Co SO Investigators were involved in a pursuit of a maroon 1997 Mercury Sable. The
driver of the vehicle bailed out and fled on foot. Investigators recovered a total of 70.4 lbs of
marijuana in three bundles from inside the vehicle. The driver was apprehended a short time
later.
Starr Co SO Investigators conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Nissan Maxima. Investigators
requested and were granted consent to search the vehicle. The search revealed 273.4 lbs of
marijuana in 10 bundles concealed inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional informationUSBP Agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint inspected a
northbound Freightliner truck. A secondary inspection
revealed 203 lbs of cocaine in the headliner of the tractor
cab. Two males subjects were arrested. The subjects,
narcotics and the vehicle were turned over to DEA.
USBP Agents at the Sarita Checkpoint seized 21.2 lbs of heroin during vehicle
inspections. Two male USCs were arrested. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics,
vehicle and the subjects. The heroin was packaged flat and concealed in a suitcase.
ANALYST NOTE: Packages had writing on them denoting specific weight and the word “China.”
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
McAllen USBP Agents seized 1,825 lbs of marijuana near Peñitas, TX. One subject was
arrested. The narcotics was turned over to DEA.
McAllen USBP Agents working outbound operations seized $19,942 USD from two taxi cabs.
Two subjects were arrested.
Mercedes USBP Agents seized 1,062.4 lbs of marijuana in Pharr, TX. No subjects were
arrested. One vehicle was seized. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics and subject.
USBP Agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint seized 50.2 lbs of cocaine during vehicle inspections.
One male USC was arrested. One vehicle was seized. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics
and subject.
Additional information
Rio Grande City PD Officers attempted to
conduct a traffic stop on a blue 1989 Chevrolet
Blazer on Main St. The driver refused to stop and
a pursuit ensued. The vehicle continued east
bound until it drove off a small cliff on Water St.
and rolled over. Two male subjects bailed out
and absconded. Officers recovered 179 lbs of
marijuana in 109 bricks.CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information (cont)
THP Trooper was dispatched to a vehicle accident on Mile 6 Rd. east of Western Rd.
near Peñitas, TX. Upon arrival the Trooper located a 1998 Ford Windstar and conducted
a vehicle check. The vehicle was reported stolen from the Mission area. The Trooper
located several bundles of marijuana in the rear passenger area and front seat of the
vehicle. The total weight of marijuana was 318 lbs.
THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Ford F-350 hauling a 2008
homemade flatbed trailer on US-83 near La Grulla, TX. The Trooper made
contact with the driver and observed criminal indicators. The Trooper requested
and was granted consent to search. Upon search of the trailer trooper found
two assault rifles co-mingled with cargo.
THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 Chevrolet pickup on FM-755
near La Gloria, TX. The Trooper made contact with the driver and was granted
consent to search the vehicle. The search revealed 70 lbs of marijuana
concealed inside the vehicle’s gas tank.
THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Chevrolet pickup towing a
trailer hauling a 2002 Ford Focus on US-83 near La Joya, TX. The Trooper
received consent to search the vehicles. The search revealed 246 lbs of
marijuana concealed in the trunk of the Focus. The driver was arrested.
CBP Officers working outbound traffic, detained a Hispanic male at the Hidalgo
International Bridge who was driving a 2004 Ford F-250 pickup. The Officer noticed the
vehicle was running without keys present in the ignition. The suspect admitted that the
vehicle was stolen. The owner of the vehicle recovered his vehicle.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information
Mission PD executed a narcotic search warrant at a residence in Mission, TX. A search of
the residence revealed 725 lbs of marihuana, 55 grams of cocaine, two handguns and
one rifle. Four male subjects were taken into custody. All subjects were charged with
possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine. Further information indicated that the
narcotics belonged to a subject known as ―Barac,‖ also known as "Zeta 45.‖
La Joya PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on a F-250 pickup after receiving information that
the vehicle was transporting IAs. The Officer made contact with the driver, who stated he had
undocumented passengers inside the vehicle. USBP Agents were notified and they assumed
custody of seven IAs.
La Joya PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on a white 1992 Mercury Marquis on US-83. The
Officer observed the passengers were wearing black damp clothing. The driver was questioned
as to where he picked up the passengers and he stated that he picked them up at a local motel
and was paid $70 USD per person to transport them to McAllen, TX. The Officer determined that
the five passengers were undocumented aliens that had just crossed into the US. USBP Agents
were notified and assumed custody of 5 IAs and the driver.
Rio Grande City PD Officers conducted a consent to search at a residence on Yellow Fin St.
During the search, Officers discovered 10 bundles of marijuana weighing 222 lbs in a
bedroom of the residence. Officers also recovered a stolen handgun that had been reported
stolen out of Houston, TX. A male resident was arrested.
Rio Grande City PD Officers assisted HIDTA Task Force in conducting a traffic stop on US-83
and Blas Chapa Rd., on a white 2008 Ford F-250 pulling a 2010 goose neck trailer. Officers
requested and received consent from the driver to search the vehicle. Officers discovered
766.6 lbs of marijuana in 30 bundles concealed a hidden compartment underneath the
trailer. The driver was arrested.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information
Pharr PD Officer responded to a suspicious vehicle call at a residence on Yellow Fin
St. The homeowner reported that when he arrived at his house he noticed a blue 1998
Ford Expedition parked in his driveway. The homeowner reported that the vehicle did
not belong to him, and that he saw a suspicious male walking away from the vehicle.
The Officer inspected the vehicle and noticed that it was carrying large bundles. The
officer observed that one of the packages resting on the front driver seat was opened
and he could see what appeared to be marijuana. He also saw marijuana residue on
the center console. One male subject was detained and arrested for the possession of
marijuana. The bundles were weighed and totaled 789 lbs marijuana.
Pharr PD Officer working southbound at the Pharr POE observed a
Ford F-250 arriving at the POE with a damaged door lock. Officer
initiated an inspection of the vehicle. The Officer observed damage
to the ignition and a filed key in the ignition. The driver was detained
and the Officer received information that the truck was stolen out of
Edinburg, TX. A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun hidden in
the air intake of the vehicle.
Pharr PD Officer stopped at a local tire shop for service on a
police vehicle’s tire. The Officer walked into the business and
noticed that no one was working in the office. The Officer heard
voices from a rear work station and observed several subjects
compressing marijuana into blocks. The Officer identified himself
and the subjects ran out of the building through a rear door. The
officer secured 36 lbs of marijuana, a handgun, and metal
compressing equipment.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Additional information
Harlingen PD SIU Investigators received information of a
narcotics stash house located at a residence in San
Benito, TX. Investigators and Deputies from Cameron Co
SO conducted a "knock and talk" at the residence. Written
consent was given to search a travel trailer located behind
the house and investigators found 56.56 lbs of marijuana
in several bundles. Investigators also found a rifle and
handgun. A check revealed that the handgun was stolen.
The resident of the travel trailer was arrested.
THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix with FL license plates on
US-281 near San Manuel, TX. The Trooper made contact with the driver and verbal consent to
search the vehicle was granted. A search of the vehicle revealed 50 lbs of marijuana in 3 bundles
concealed in suitcases. The driver was arrested.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
The RGV Unified Command agencies were responsible for the seizure of over 17,000 lbs of
marijuana. This is a 20% decrease from last week. Cocaine seizures increased from 117.05 lbs
reported last week to 309.7 lbs this week. There were no methamphetamine seizures reported this
week. Heroin seizures totaled 21.2 lbs. Currency decreased to a total of $19,942 USD. The US
Border Patrol, CBP OFO, DPS Aviation, DPS THP and CID, Texas Rangers, Mission PD, La Joya
PD, Edinburg PD, Starr Co SO, Cameron Co SO, Pharr PD, Rio Grande City PD and Harlingen PD
contributed significantly to the narcotic seizures.
Illegal Alien apprehensions decreased slightly for the reporting period from 1,160 to 1,124 this
week. The OTM count decreased from last week to a total of 484.
The Gulf Cartel and Zetas engaged each other in several gun battles this past week in the cities of
Matamoros and Valle Hermoso. Several other Mexican towns such as Diaz Ordaz and San
Fernando, all within 50 miles of the US border, also witnessed violence. The Mexican Military
deployed assets to the scenes of these shootings. Vehicular traffic on some streets were halted by
the cartel as they deployed a bus to serve as a blockade. These violent encounters are expected to
continue as the Zetas attempt to gain a foothold in the territory. Effective coordination continues
between the USBP International Liaison Unit and the Mexican Military that has resulted in the
dispatch of a Mexican Army helicopter and ground units to locations near the Rio Grande. Several
DTO suspects were taken into custody by Mexican authorities.
RGV JOIC Sector Assessment
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
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
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
COASTAL BEND UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 2011
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
Full Map/Table of Contents
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Coastal Bend SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:
Absconds 3
Bailouts 1
Criminal Arrests 278
Fugitive Arrests 121
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 6
Pursuits 2
Scouts/Decoys 0
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 20
IAs/USBP 0
OTMs 8
OTM Countries
Honduras 5
El Salvador 1
Columbia 2
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 237.18 lbs
Cocaine 19.83 lbs
Heroin --
Methamphetamine --
Currency $ 154,338.00
Other
Ecstasy 19 Pills,
Xanax 16 Pills,
Hydrocodone 14 Pills,
Alprazolam 9 Pills
Weapons
Handgun(s) 5
Long Gun(s) 5
Explosive(s) 0
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 4
Recovered 5
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
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.
$74,100
$0
$195,164
$154,338
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Am
ou
nt
of
US
Cu
rre
ncy
Se
ize
d
Coastal Bend UC Currency Seizures
791.47
3,004.66
4,195.78
237.180.00
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
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Mar
ijuan
a Se
ize
d
Coastal Bend UC Marijuana Seizures
13.31
4.61
0.40
19.83
0.00
5.00
10.00
15.00
20.00
25.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Po
un
ds
of
Co
cain
e S
eiz
ed
Coastal Bend UC Cocaine Seizures
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Gang ActivityTango Orejon 1
Texas Syndicate 2
Sorenos Trece 1
Los Paisas 2
Known gang-type apprehensions this
reporting week
Robstown PD identified a subject in custody as a member of the TANGO OREJON
prison gang. The subject confirmed his affiliation with the gang which is a San Antonio-
based derivative of the TANGO BLAST gang.
San Antonio Spurs Basketball
team logo commonly used in
combination with a rhinoceroses
as Tango Orejon tattoos.
―OREJON‖
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Corpus Christi PD, ICE, DPS Aviation and the US Postal Inspector seized 3 lbs of marijuana
shipped in the US Mail. The suspects had been receiving packages with small amounts of
marijuana. The US Postal Service, Corpus Christi PD, and ICE arranged a controlled delivery which
resulted in the arrest of two subjects. One was identified as a TEXAS SYNDICATE gang member.
Residence where package
was delivered.
Suspect vehicle in
transit between residences.
Suspect vehicle.Suspect approaching residence
to retrieve package.
Two suspects in custody.
Gang Activity
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Gang Activity
Corpus Christi PD arrested three male suspects for burglary and robbery. CCPD
Officers identified two of the three male subjects as having gang affiliation. One
subject is a member of the TEXAS SYNDICATE and one is a member of SURENOS
TRECE.
Sinton PD arrested two male subjects suspected of human smuggling and two
undocumented aliens from Colombia. The two IAs are confirmed members of the
LOS PAISAS.
―PAISA‖ tattoo on the left shoulder of
one subject.
SANTA MUERTE
tattoo on the left arm of
one subject.
Stock
Graphic
ANALYST NOTE: “Los Paisas” is Spanish for “countrymen.” In Colombia, LOS PAISAS are a drug trafficking
gang. The two subjects apprehended in this incident were originally from Colombia.
In the US, LOS PAISAS are a loosely-formed group of prison inmates from Mexico, who group together for self-
protection from organized prison gangs. LOS PAISAS, like MEXICLES and PARTIDO REVOLUCIONARIO
MEXICANO (PRM), utilize the bird from the “Hecho en Mexico” (or Made in Mexico) logo or even the full logo, in
addition to Aztec symbols can also be tattooed on a LOS PAISAS member.
The Colombian LOS PAISAS should not be confused with the LOS PAISAS found in US prisons.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
DPS/CID Corpus Christi working in Nueces Co seized $32,555 USD and a handgun
during the execution of a search warrant at a residence. The search also recovered
several stolen items from Aransas Co. One male subject was arrested.
THP Kleberg Co seized 9.2 lbs of marijuana concealed in
luggage in a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu bearing FL license plates.
DPS/CID Corpus Christi working in Nueces Co seized two rifles and two shotguns
that were reported stolen during the execution of a search warrant at a residence. The
search also yielded the recovery of several other stolen items including some weapon
accessories. One male subject was arrested.
Additional Information
The male driver was traveling on
US-77N from McAllen, TX, to
Houston, TX.
Corpus Christi PD seized $1,583 USD and 0.99 lbs of marijuana concealed in zip-loc
storage bags in the console of a 2001 Ford Expedition SUV. The male driver and two male
passengers were detained.
Kingsville PD seized 12.3 lbs of
marijuana concealed in a plastic
candy storage tub located during a
traffic stop on a 2009 Ford F-150
pickup. The male driver was
detained.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
THP Victoria Co seized
19.8 lbs of cocaine
concealed in the frame of
a 2001 Mazda Tribute.
The male driver was
traveling on US-59N from
Matamoros, MX, to
Houston, TX.
Additional Information
Cocaine concealed inside of vehicle frame.
Obvious tool marks
indicated tampering
with the vehicle chassis.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
THP Kleberg Co seized $3,940 USD concealed in pockets of clothing inside of luggage in a 2003 Ford
Explorer Sport Trac. The male driver was traveling on US-59S from Houston, TX, to Weslaco, TX.
Additional Information
THP Kleberg Co seized $116,260 USD
concealed in juice packages in a 2010 Jeep
Patriot SUV. The female driver and male
passenger were traveling on US-77S from
Baytown, TX to Matamoros, MX.
ANALYST NOTE: In last week’s BOSA, the
Weekly Assessment noted food and beverage
containers are continuing to be an observed
concealment trend. Last reporting period,
THP Live Oak Co seized $6,260 USD
concealed in snack chip bags and clothing. In
the 01 JULY 2011 BOSA, THP Kleberg Co
seized $29,200 USD concealed inside a
hollowed-out loaf of bread.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
THP Nueces Co seized 24.25 lbs of marijuana
concealed in the muffler of a 1996 Chevrolet 1500
pickup. The male driver was traveling on US-77N from
Roma, TX, to Houston, TX.
The muffler had
an opening cut to provide access,
then sealed. The faint seals can be
seen in this picture.
Additional Information
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
THP Victoria Co seized 181.6 lbs of marijuana concealed in the frame (front of bed) and in the gas tank
of a 1994 Chevrolet 2500 pickup. The male driver and female passenger were traveling on US-59N from
Roma, TX, to Houston, TX.
Additional Information
Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized
54 lbs of marijuana concealed in the gas
tank of a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup. The
male driver and male passenger were
traveling on US-77N from Weslaco, TX, to
Houston, TX.
Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized 53.4 lbs of marijuana concealed in multiple articles of
luggage in a 2010 Jeep Compass SUV. The female driver was traveling on US-77N from
Harlingen, TX, to Houston, TX.
Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized 5.20 lbs of marijuana concealed in luggage in a 2000
Freightliner truck tractor. The male driver was traveling on US-77N from McAllen, TX, to Corpus
Christi, TX.
Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized 139.8 lbs of
marijuana concealed in duffle bags transported in a
2007 International Tractor Truck. The male driver
was traveling on US-77N from Brownsville, TX, to
an unknown destination.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Coastal Bend JOICs Sector Assessment
Marijuana seizures showed a significant decrease in the Coastal Bend Sector over the last
reporting period from 4,195.78 lbs to 237.18 lbs. However, there was an increase in cocaine
seizures from 0.402 lbs to 19.83 lbs. Four currency seizures totaling $154,338 USD were reported
this period, which is a decrease from $195,164 reported last week. OTM referrals increased and
gang-related criminal arrests remained the same. IA referrals, absconds, and bailouts decreased in
the Coastal Bend Sector during this period. US-77 N/S and US-59S were the locations of significant
narcotic and currency seizures.
A review of the Falfurrias Checkpoint on US-281N indicated that between 13-19 JUL 2011 there
was 547.06 lbs of marijuana and 253.2 lbs of cocaine seized. This is a decrease from 820.8 lbs of
marijuana, but an increase from zero cocaine seized last week. The Falfurrias Checkpoint reports
indicate that one tractor and trailer was seized attempting to conceal a cocaine load totaling
203.0 lbs. No commercial buses were found to conceal contraband during this period.
A review of the Sarita Checkpoint on US-77N indicated 475.6 lbs of marijuana and a small amount
of cocaine reported as seized. This was an increase from last week’s total of 91.44 lbs of marijuana
and zero cocaine seized. In addition, 21.2 lbs of heroin was seized at the Sarita Checkpoint this
period. One tractor trailer was seized attempting to conceal a marijuana load totaling 5.2 lbs. No
commercial buses were found to conceal contraband during this period.
Tractor/trailer combinations seen in the Coastal Bend Sector smuggling very large loads of
marijuana has significantly decreased. The checkpoint cases are down as are seizures in the
Coastal Bend Sector AOR.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Statewide
Corridor Seizures
THP [Montgomery Co.] –• 2,495 pills pseudoephedrine –handbag;
San Antonio, TX to Lufkin, TX.• 20 lbs of marijuana – handbag;
Baytown, TX to Liberty, TX.
THP [Bowie Co.] –• 98 g of methamphetamine – console;
Hooks, TX to Texarkana, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
THP [Liberty Co.] –• 30 lbs marijuana– luggage; Houston,
TX to Indianapolis, IN.
THP [Chambers Co.] –• 15 lbs marijuana – trunk;
Houston, TX to Stockbridge, GA• $7,183 USD Currency – body
carry cloth; Immokalee, FL to Brownsville, TX.
THP [Brown Co.] –• $31,450 USD Currency – dashboard;
Dallas, TX to Del Rio, TX.
THP[Atascosa Co.] –• 58.9 lbs marijuana – false wall in trunk; Harlingen, TX
to Corpus Christi, TX.
THP [Montague Co.] –• 9 lbs of marijuana – cardboard
box; Fort Worth, TX to Vernon, TX.
THP [Smith Co.] –• 4 lbs marijuana – luggage; Amarillo, TX to
Oakdale, LA.
CID [Harris Co.] –• 5 kg cocaine – luggage; Houston, TX.
THP [Ellis Co.] –• $11,533 USD Currency – dashboard;
Houston, TX to Austin, TX.• 6 kg cocaine – false compartment in
rear seat; San Antonio, TX to Oklahoma.THP [Panola Co.] –• $16,092 USD Currency and 2 oz marijuana
– driver seat, center console, and under passenger seat; Little Rock, AR to Houston, TX.
Corpus Christi Bay, Coastal Bend Sector
THP [Austin Co.] –• 132.5 lbs cocaine – duffle bags; San
Antonio, TX to Houston, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
14 JUL 2011: THP Terrell conducted a traffic stop on a 1998 Chevrolet
Silverado, bearing MX registration. The K-9 Unit was deployed and gave a
positive alert to an area near the engine. Further search revealed 7 lbs of
cocaine concealed in the intake manifold of the engine. The cocaine was
en route to Dallas, TX from Nuevo Laredo, MX.
Dallas, TXCocaine packages located
within intake manifold
Untouched
engine
Cell phone with Ferrari
insignia on it
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
ANALYST NOTE:It is widely known that the
Los Zetas DTO has
associated itself with the
Ferrari logo. It is thought
to be an inconspicuous
way of announcing their
presence without drawing
attention from law
enforcement.
Nuevo Leon, MX
DTO member attempting to
cross back in Mexico
Ferrari Logo on shirt
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
14 JUL 2011: THP Jourdanton conducted a traffic stop on a
2003 Dodge Intrepid, bearing TX registration. A consent to
search revealed 58.9 lbs of marijuana concealed in a
false compartment behind the rear seat. The marijuana was
traveling from Harlingen, TX to Corpus Christi, TX.
Corpus Christi. TX
Harlingen. TX
13 JUL 2011: As part of a narcotics investigation, CID-
Houston and Houston HIDTA established surveillance on a
suspect heading to a Greyhound bus station in San
Antonio, TX. The individual walked into the station,
retrieved a piece of luggage, and proceeded to drive down
a city alleyway. Minutes later the individual emerged from
the alley and a traffic stop was initiated. The luggage was
no where to be found in the 2005 Dodge Caravan, bearing
TX registration. The Agents returned to the alley and
located the luggage containing 22 lbs of cocaine.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Syracuse. NY
13 JUL 2011: THP Panhandle conducted a traffic
stop on a 2005 Acura, bearing NY registration. A
consent to search revealed six bundles of currency,
totaling $160,000 USD, concealed inside a false
compartment built into the exhaust tunnel. The cash
was en route to Fontana, CA from Syracuse, NY.
Fontana, CA
TROOPER NOTE:
Access to the false compartment was
achieved by activating an after market
piston that moved the center console back,
revealing the compartment.
West Valley, UT
Oklahoma City, OK
18 JUL 2011: THP Borger conducted
a traffic stop on a 2002 Chevrolet Trail
Blazer bearing UT registration. A
consent to search revealed 1 lb of
methamphetamine concealed in
the dashboard of the vehicle. The
meth was en route to Oklahoma City,
OK, from West Valley, UT . CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Gas tank from Jeep
Orlando, FL
San Antonio, TX
16 JUL 2011: THP Columbus conducted a traffic stop on a 2001 Peterbilt truck towing
an 2001 Cottrell auto trailer, both bearing FL registration. The trailer was carrying both
a 1999 Jeep LL and a 2001 Ford F-250 utility truck, both bearing TX registration.
During interview, the Trooper noticed undercoating spray on the Ford pickup. With the
assistance of Fayette Co SO and Weimar PD, a consent to search revealed a total of
50 bundles (totaling 200 lbs) of marijuana in a false bed of the Ford, and
inside the gas tank of the Jeep. The marijuana was traveling from San Antonio, TX , to
Orlando, FL.
Undercoating spray residual visible in wheel well of Ford truck
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
20 JUL 2011: THP Corsicana
conducted a traffic stop on a 2006
Cadillac Escalade, bearing OK
registration. A consent to search
revealed 13.23 lbs of cocaineinside an electric compartment under
the left rear seat. The driver
“claimed” the cocaine was traveling
from San Antonio, TX, to Oklahoma.
14 JUL 2011: With the assistance of Brown Co SO, THP
Comanche conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Chevrolet C-3500
towing a 1993 GMC Sierra C-1500, both bearing TX registration.
A consent to search revealed one bundle of currency in the
dashboard of one vehicle and an additional bundle in the
dashboard of the other vehicle, totaling $31,450 USD.The cash was traveling from Dallas, TX, to Del Rio, TX.
June 21, 2011July 9, 2011July 19, 2011
ANALYST NOTE:
Although the driver claimed to
be coming from San Antonio,
the Escalade has been spotted
via the License Plate Reader
(LPR) coming through the
Sarita Checkpoint, southbound
on US-77. One image catches
the vehicle one day before the
stop.
ANALYST NOTE:
All 3 bundles were wrapped in
sheets of lead in an attempt to
elude X-rays and backscatter
devices at the POEs.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Deceased Illegal Aliens Discovered on US Soil(JAN 2010 – Present)
With the violence in Mexico increasing to extreme levels of
brutality and torture, many civilians are left no choice but to flee. Likewise, human smugglers are duping people into thinking
the waters are safe, the distances are short, and
temperatures are tolerable. The border counties in particular are seeing an increase in deceased
IAs, with the majority being found in the Laredo and RGV
Sectors. The US Border Patrol is reporting that the majority of
deaths are caused by “Environmental Exposures –
Heat” or “Undetermined.” The USBP Border Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team
specializes in assisting subjects, who are challenged by
environmental dangers.
Marfa Sector
Del Rio Sector
Laredo Sector
Coastal Bend Sector
RGV Sector
Body Discovered
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
INCLUDING CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico
15 JUL 2011: Emergency Message for USCs – Threats of violence against US
government interests in Chihuahua.
The US Consulate General in Cd Juárez is issuing this Emergency Message for USCs in the
state of Chihuahua. The Consulate has distributed the following message to our staff:
Mexican authorities have captured key members of the cartels active in Juárez. These
successes also bring with them the potential for an increase in violence. The cartels
may seek to retaliate and increase their attacks against rival cartel members, Mexican
law enforcement and/or the public in general.
Information has come to light that suggests a cartel may be targeting the US Consulate in Cd
Juárez or US POE. In the past, cartels have been willing to utilize car bombs in attacks. We
ask American citizens to remain vigilant. If the Consulate should receive any credible threat
information that provides a specific time and place, that information will be disseminated
immediately. USC victims of crime or their families are urged to contact the American Citizens
Services unit of the Consulate for advice or assistance. During regular work hours, the
American Citizens Services unit of the Consulate can be reached at (656) 227-3411, by fax at
(656) 227-3264 or by email at [email protected]. In the event of an after-hours
serious emergency, the duty officer may be reached at (656) 327-7877.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant events in Mexico
Two gunmen and those who attempted to
hide them were arrested in colonia Galeana
CD. JUÁREZ – On 13 JUL 2011, two municipal police officers were shot and wounded by gunmen
in an attack as they patrolled in colonia Galeana. A search was conducted and two alleged gunmen
were arrested by the municipal police. Seven others were arrested for hiding the two shooters.
According to the police report, Ivory Juan Alfredo Martinez, was driving the 2007 Toyota Rav4 truck,
and Cesar Eduardo Rangel, who was a passenger, fired the shots. The vehicle was seized, along
with an AR-15 rifle, seven AR-15 magazines, 120 rds of .223 caliber ammo, a .22 cal pistol with
four rds of ammo, as well as four 9mm magazines, one .45 cal magazine with 15 rds, and one .380
magazine with four rds. One hand-held radio and two tape recorders were also seized.
Municipal Police search the neighborhood for gunmen
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant events in Mexico (cont)
Wounded gunmen are prepared for transport to the hospital. They were removed from the pickup truck after wrecking with
another vehicle and hitting a building and fence.
A wounded gunman is prepared for transport to a hospital.Many officers from different agencies responded to the scene.
CD. JUÁREZ – On 14 JUL 2011, gunmen attacked elements of the Delta Group (elite narcotics
taskforce) of the Municipal Police. A pursuit and shootout ended with the death of two attackers
and the wounding of another. The attack was carried out by six gunmen traveling in two vehicles.
Two patrol units were fired upon at the intersection of Zaragoza Blvd and Valle del Cedro St. The
pursuit ended at the intersection of Toronja St and Zaragoza Blvd, where the GMC pickup driven by
the attackers slammed into another car, and then into a building, injuring the occupants. Three
wounded gunmen were transported to a hospital, where two died of their wounds.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CD. JUÁREZ – On 07 JUL 2011, a merchant who had been kidnapped by members of a group that
practiced cult or satanic death was rescued by anti-kidnapping group officers of the Attorney
General's Office. On 13 JUL 2011, Agents arrested two of the suspected kidnappers, Andrés
Sánchez Balderas, 45, and S. Candelario, 14, when they tried to collect more money from the
man’s family. Anti-kidnapping Agents went to the kidnappers’ safe house in the 7400 blk of Joaquin
Castellanos St, where they found an altar with a skeleton dressed as a bride, at least two skulls,
and numerous cigarette packs that were apparent offerings. ―In the safe house skeletons and skulls
were found and apparently used for some type of death cult or the practice of a satanic ritual,‖
authorities said. The ―Cochi‖ kidnapping ring is allegedly responsible for seven other recent
abductions. Three members of the group are wanted by police.
Significant events in Mexico (cont)
Andres Sanchez Balderas and a 14-year-old boy, Candelario
S. were arrested. Francisco Javier Soto Campas, AKA ―El
Cochi‖ (top) is the alleged head of the ring, and two other
men are fugitives. (PROFUGO is Spanish for FUGITIVE) Items discovered inside the ―Cochi‖ kidnapping ring safe house
included a skeleton dressed as a bride, an altar, and items
related to worship of Santa Muerte.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant events in Mexico (cont)
CD. JUÁREZ – On 13 JUL 2011, a 35-yr-old woman was shot and killed
near the intersection of Hospital and Ignacio Aldama streets in colonia
Barrio Alto. The woman’s head was wrapped in adhesive tape and her
hands and feet were bound. She had been kidnapped from the front of her
home two hours earlier by men in a pickup. Family members stated her
killers had tried to kidnap her several days earlier, but she escaped.
CD. JUÁREZ – On 15 JUL 2011, a woman’s body was
found in one of the rooms in the El Refugio Guesthouse
located on Mina Street, between Corregidor and Miguel
Ahumada streets in the central district. The victim, aged 25
to 30-yr-old, was gagged and had a plastic bag taped over
her head. Her left index finger had been amputated.
The number of DTO-related homicides in Cd Juárez
and surrounding communities for this reporting period
is 36. There have been a total of 142 DTO-related
homicides for the month of JUL, bringing the total to
1,253 for the year thus far and 8,629 DTO-related
homicides since 2008.Figures as of 24 hours 19 July 2011
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
1607
26583111
1253
DTO Related Deaths Juarez MX 2008 to Date
2008 2009 2010 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Canine search of
a commercial
vehicle.
CD. JUÁREZ – Tourists and regular border commuters are exploring the possibilities of hiring a private
security company that will use a drug-sniffing dog to check maquiladora tractor-trailers and other vehicles
on the Mexican side of the border for possible drugs before they enter the US. People do not want to
undergo a similar ordeal as that of Ana Isela Martínez of Juárez, who spent a month and a half in prison
after two bags of marijuana were found in her car that she said were placed there by drug smugglers.
Significant events in Mexico (cont)
CD. JUÁREZ – In three and a half years, 21 drug rehabilitation centers
have closed down after the State Coordinator of Care for Addictions and
the State Commission for Protection against Health Risks began
operations to verify if the facilities were operating legally and
professionally, following a series of attacks by organized crime that
began in 2010. Many of the centers were considered recruiting centers
for criminal groups operating in the city. La Victoria rehabilitation center
ANALYST NOTE: Over the past several months, the BOSA has reported on several killings outside of
rehabilitation centers. Gangs frequently target private, unlicensed rehabilitation centers because they are
more likely to take in active gang members seeking to free themselves from an addiction. In contrast to
government-licensed rehabilitation centers in Mexico, private clinics are not associated with the penal
system and often have very little security, leaving their patients vulnerable to attacks by gangs seeking to
avenge the death of a friend or eliminate a potential police informant. Some unlicensed clinics may also
serve as fronts for drug dealing, or as safe houses.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
BAJA CALIFORNIA – On 12 JUL 2011, Mexican soldiers have discovered the largest marijuana plantation
ever detected in Mexico, covering almost 300 acres and owned by Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin Guzman,
aka ―El Chapo.‖ The marijuana plants were sheltered under black screen-cloth in a huge square on the
floor of the Baja California desert, more than 150 miles south of Tijuana, near the coastal town of San
Quintin across the border from San Diego. The screening, which is often used by regular farmers to
protect crops from too much sun or heat, made it difficult to detect from the air what was growing
underneath. It was only when soldiers on the ground reached the isolated area that they found thousands
of pot plants as high as 2.5 yards (meters) tall. No arrests were made at the scene. It was estimated that
traffickers could have harvested about 120 tons of marijuana from the plantation, worth about 1.8 billion
pesos (about $160 million). Photos of the plantation showed a sophisticated system of piped-in irrigation
to support the plants, which was fed by two wells. The plantation also included some wooden outbuildings,
presumably for use by people caring for the plants. Soldiers detained 16 farmers working on the
plantation, though it is thought that it had a workforce of over 100 people. While it's unknown how much of
Mexican drug cartels’ income comes from marijuana, recent discoveries suggest it remains a large-scale
trade. Last October, Mexican authorities made their largest-ever seizure of marijuana packaged for sale, a
record 148 tons (134 metric tons) found in a number of tractor trailers and houses in Tijuana. They
appeared to make up a major distribution center traced directly to Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who has
expanded the reach of his Sinaloa cartel along the US-Mexico border.
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
SIERRA DE CASAS GRANDES– On 18 JUL 2011, authorities went
to the Sierra de Casas Grandes after receiving an anonymous tip
about a marijuana plantation located 60 kilometers south of the
town of Nuevo Casas Grandes. At the location, federal officers
located three acres of growing marijuana plants. The plants were
growing at a ratio of four plants per square meter, with a weight of
75 g per plant. The estimated weight of the crop is nine tons. The
marijuana was burned at the location by federal agents. The crop
was well irrigated by nearby streams and a series of hoses. The
base camp had been vacated hurriedly, as wood was still burning in
a stove. No arrests were made. The operation was linked to the
Sinaloa Cartel. This is the second large marijuana plantation
discovered belonging to the Sinaloa cartel.
Significant events in Mexico (cont)
Federal Agents gathering marijuana plants for destruction.
Agents destroyed the base
camp and crop by burning.
Mexican helicopter
overflies the plantation.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
MICHOACÁN - Recently there have been numerous
confrontations between the Caballeros Templarios (CT)
and federal forces around Michoacán, midway between
Mexico City and Guadalajara. During one of the
confrontations, federal forces came upon a CT training
camp. Forces found weapons, live ammo, camping
equipment, hundreds of posters of the Knights Templar,
a metal knight helmet, tunics with red crosses,
packages of marijuana covered with masking tape, over
20 pieces of radio equipment, and three late-model
trucks with CT insignia.
Tunics and Knight’s helmet
Front of Knights Templar Code
of Conduct booklet
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
Seven people linked to the Los Caballeros Templarios drug cartel, including the boss of a
group of gunmen employed by the criminal organization, were arrested by the Federal
Police. Faustino Pacheco Torres, who admitted taking part in the shootout with police that
resulted in the death in DEC 2010 of La Familia Michoacán (LFM) cartel boss Nazario
Moreno, aka ―El Chayo‖ and LFM’s ideological leader, was among those arrested. Los
Caballeros Templarios is made up of former members of LFM, which mainly smuggled
synthetic drugs into the US. LFM, based in the western state of Michoacán, has been
severely weakened in recent months by infighting and government operations targeting the cartel.
Michoacán has been experiencing a wave of drug-related violence blamed on the break-up of LFM, which
was considered one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels. The LFM faction led by Jesus Mendez, who
was arrested last month, has been fighting the group led by Servando Gomez and Enrique Plancarte, who
formed Los Caballeros Templarios in MAR 2011. Pacheco was in charge of a group of gunmen who
worked for the new cartel in Apatzingan, the city in which he was arrested and one of the areas in
Michoacán where drug traffickers have a high degree of control. Apatzingan has been the scene of
numerous drug-related killings in recent years. Los Caballeros Templarios, like LFM, requires members to
adhere to a code of conduct and portrays itself as working for the good of the community despite its
criminal activities. Michoacán is on Mexico’s Pacific coast, which is used by smugglers to bring drugs into
the country. The drugs are then smuggled via the Pacific corridor or through central Mexico into the US,
the world’s largest consumer of illegal drugs.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
On 15 JUL 2011, Mexican army soldiers captured Cristobal Flores Lopez, a leader of
the Los Zetas, who allegedly smuggled cocaine from northern Mexico into the US for
the past eight years. The Secretariat identified Flores as the Zeta’s main operator in the
towns of Anahuac and Lampazos de Naranjo, in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon,
and in the town of Candela, in the neighboring state of Coahuila. Flores was arrested
along with two other suspected cartel members, including a woman, while they were
riding in an SUV in Anahuac. Personnel from the 7th Military Zone arrested the
suspects at a checkpoint and also confiscated drugs, two assault rifles, a handgun,
ammo magazines, ammo, a vehicle and communications gear. Lopez is linked to the
seizure of 290 lbs of cocaine by military personnel on 14 JUL 2011, in the town of San
Nicolas de los Garza, part of the metro area of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. Los Zetas and
former allies the Gulf cartel have been engaged in a turf battle for more than a year for
control of smuggling routes in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.
On 16 JUL 2011, a confrontation between Marines and gunmen
was reported on Constituyentes Avenue near the Quinta Real
neighborhood of Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Shortly after, a
second confrontation was reported in the Sección 16
neighborhood of the city. As a result of these confrontations,
one gunman was killed and another injured. Throughout the
day, numerous confrontations were reported in neighborhoods
to include Hacienda del Puente, Puerto Rico, Avenida Virgilio
Garza, Carretera Sendero Nacional, amongst others. During
these confrontations, gunmen set up narco blockades
throughout the city to impede authorities. Vehicles utilized for
these narco blockades included tractor-trailers, buses, and
other large vehicles.
Cristobal Flores
Lopez
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
On 15 JUL 2011, a convoy of Grupo Elite officers, an elite unit of Sinaloa's State Police used in operations
against organized crime, was ambushed on Federal HWY-15 in the municipality of Guasave, leaving a
total of twelve officers and a civilian dead. The officers were returning from northern Sinaloa to their base
in the state capitol of Culiacan after providing security in Los Mochis for the director of Sinaloa’s
Department of Public Safety, Francisco Cordova Celaya, during a function in that northern Sinaloa city.
Cordova Celaya, whose office confirmed the deaths, was not with the officers as he had flown to Culiacan
via helicopter. Earlier in the afternoon, a unit of State Preventive Police was ambushed in the Jiquilpan
section of Los Mochis and municipal police officers were attacked in the Tepeca area of the city. No
fatalities were reported in these attacks, but several officers were injured. It is unknown if any gunmen
were killed or captured during the shootings in Los Mochis and Guasave. On 30 MAY 2011, up to 19
―narco‖ banners were hung in several municipalities of Sinaloa, including Guasave and Culiacan,
accusing Governor Mario Lopez Valdez of having links to Joaquin ―El Chapo‖ Guzman and calling the
Grupo Elite a paramilitary arm of the Sinaloa Cartel. The banners were hung by Beltran Leyva loyalists,
known locally as Mazatlecos or Mochomeros, who accuse the Grupo Elite force of attempting to sweep
them out of their stronghold in northern Sinaloa and leaving the area open for El Chapo Guzman.
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
The SSP and the PGR are reporting that the arrests of major cartel heads has led to the emergence
of smaller criminal organizations; some of whom have been identified as:
• La Mano con Ojos (The Hand with Eyes)
• La Nueva Administracion (The New Administration)
• Former La Mano con Ojos operators, and formed following internal agreements.
• Battling for territory against La Mano con Ojos in Mexico State and the southern sector of
the Federal District.
• El Cartel Independiente de Acapulco (CIDA) (The Independent Cartel from Acapulco).
• Former Beltran Leyva operators – emerged after Edgar Valdez Villarreal, aka La Barbie, was
arrested in AUG 2010.
• Leader: Carlos Montemayor Gonzalez, aka El Charro
• El Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (The New Generation Cartel from Jalisco)
• Former Milenio Cartel operators and formed following the death of Ignacio Coronel in 2010
• Leader: Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, aka El Mencho, Erick Valencia, aka El 85, and Martin
Arzola Ortega, aka El 53.
• Battling against La Resistencia for the Jalisco and Michoacán Plazas
• La Resistencia (The Resistance)
• Former Milenio Cartel operators and formed following the death of Ignacio Coronel in 2010
• Leader: Elpidio Mojarro, Don Pilo, and Victor Manuel Torres Garcia, aka El Papirrin.
• Supported by the Gulf Cartel and La Familia Michoacán
• South Pacific Cartel
• Created following the death of Arturo Beltran Leyva, aka El Barbas
• Leader: Hector Beltran Leyva, aka El H
• Supported by La Mano con Ojos – working to secure the plazas of Morelos and Guerrero
• Group headed by Carlos Montemayor Gonzalez, aka El Charro, (father-in-law of La Barbie)CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
On 14 JUL 2011, Honduran Naval Forces intercepted a semi-submersible 16 miles
off the Caribbean coast in the Gracias a Dios department of Honduras. This area
Although only four names were released, select
sources are reporting the arrest of five individuals. At
this point, Honduran officials will attempt to recover
the vessel in an effort to garner more evidence. Boat
captains for drug shipments on semi-submersibles
have been reportedly earning up to $50,000 USD per
trip.
Central and South America:
is located off the Coast of Cruta in the Raya sector, of the country (in close proximity to the border
of Nicaragua). Upon being intercepted by marines, the crew of four scuttled the submarine, causing
it to sink. Before the vessel sunk completely, authorities were able to retrieve at least two bundles of
drugs. However, it is estimated that the semi-submersible could have been transporting anywhere
between 3-5 metric tons (most likely of cocaine). Those individuals arrested in conjunction with this
seizure were one Honduran national and three Columbian nationals. This same semi submersible
allegedly departed from Colombia, measured 12x3 meters, was equipped with outboard motors,
and made out of fiberglass.
On 15 JUL 2011 in Necoclí, Antioquia, the Colombian Navy seized three
submarines meant to transport cocaine. According to Caracol Radio, each
submarine had the capacity to transport 2 tons of cocaine and was to be used by
Los Urabeños. They had a fuel capacity of 1,000 gallons and could reach any
part of Central America very quickly.CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
This month Mexican Federal Police seized a cloned Red Cross trailer
transporting at least 100 undocumented Central Americans in Oaxaca, MX. The
Red Cross often use trailers to transport humanitarian aid to areas affected by
all kinds of disasters. In late 2009, Mexican authorities seized a cloned Red
Cross van that was observed driving to various parts of Mexico City.
ANALYST NOTE: Terrorist groups in the Middle East frequently utilize ambulances and medical vehicles
to transport people, bombs, and weapons. Although this incident was clearly a case of human smuggling,
it is possible DTOs may adopt this tactic as they have so many others, against other DTOs or the Mexican
government.
Significant Seizures Made by SEDENA:
• On 15 JUL 2011, soldiers discovered an abandoned ranch near the Venustiano Carranza communal
lands in Playas de Rosarito, Baja California. The soldiers seized 658 packages of marijuana weighing
1,406.9 lbs.
• Soldiers assigned to the 15th Military Zone dismantled a synthetic drug lab near the San Pablo village
in Atenguillo, Jalisco. To date in 2011, 42 drug laboratories, including the one mentioned above, and
two drug warehouses have been dismantled by soldiers operating in the 15th Military Zone.
• During two operations, soldiers in the Soyatan and Emiliano Zapata villages within the San Cristobal de
la Barranca and Mixtlan municipalities of Jalisco seized: 13 rifles; 1 grenade; 141 magazines; 38,335
rds of ammo; 462 lbs of marijuana; 17.6 lbs of marijuana seed; 8 pick-ups (3 of which were armored); 1
four wheeler; 59 black holsters; 44 radios and 3 cell phones; and Military-type clothing.
• Soldiers seized 2.2 lbs of crystal meth at the Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport in Tijuana.The
package from which the crystal meth was seized had been shipped by DHL from Mexico City.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)On 16 JUL 2011, ―narco‖ banners addressing President Felipe Calderon,
Governor Mario Lopez Valdez and Joaquin ―el Chapo‖ Guzman were hung in
the northern municipalities of Guasave, where Grupo Elite officers were
ambushed on 15 JUL, and Los Mochis; in the centrally located state capitol
of Culiacan; and in the southern port city of Mazatlan. The banners appear to
be authored by the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO) and are directed
against the President of Mexico and the Governor of Sinaloa whom they
accuse of being in the service of their enemy, El Chapo Guzman, leader of
the Sinaloa cartel. The northern region of Sinaloa is the stronghold of Beltran
Leyva loyalists who call themselves La Mochomera or Los Mazatlecos and
are headed by ―El Chapo Isidro‖ Isidro Meza Flores. This faction remains
loyal to ―El Mochomo‖ Alfredo Beltran Leyva, brother of the deceased ―El
Jefe De Jefes‖ Arturo Beltran Leyva and Hector Beltran Leyva, head of the
Cartel del Pacifico Sur that operates in the southern states of Guerrero and
Morelos. Another leader of Los Mazatlecos, Geovany Lizarraga Ontiveros ―El
Desconocido‖ or ―El Tortillero,‖ was arrested in MAY 2011 during a Grupo
Elite state police operation in Los Mochis, Mazatlan. Nayarit and Mazatlan
were previously strongholds of the BLO but the area is being hotly disputed
by the Sinaloa Cartel. In Mazatlan and Nayarit the BLO loyalists are
supported by Zeta gunmen. Earlier this month, a decapitated body and
messages signed by ―Los Zetas y Beltran Leyvas‖ that threatened the
Governor of Sinaloa and the Mayor of Mazatlan were deposited in the main
entrances of the Mazatlan offices of both El Noroeste and El Debate, two
popular Sinaloa newspapers with statewide circulation. In a bid to keep the
BLO alive it is believed that El Mochomo continues to lead what remains of
the cartel while incarcerated in the Puente Grande federal prison in Jalisco
through encrypted messages delivered by his legal group that he consults
regularly.
Malova, don't mislead the
people. All the violence in
Mazatlan is because you
are helping Chapo Guzman
take over the plaza. How
many of Chap Guzman’s
people have you arrested?
(Malova is a moniker for
Governor Mario Lopez
Valdez of Sinaloa)
PRESIDENT CALDERON,
do you want to end the
violence? Stop supporting
CHAPO GUZMAN. That's
the solution.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
Authorities in Mexico's Tamaulipas state are investigating seven officials
at the prison in Nuevo Laredo, just across the border from Laredo, TX,
where 60 inmates tied to Los Zetas escaped and seven others died on
15 JUL 2011. Warden Alfonso Ramirez Garza and six guards are being
investigated in connection with the mass escape from the Cedes 2
prison. Besides the 59 escapees, five guards remain unaccounted for.
Tamaulipas is one of the main battlegrounds in a turf war between the
Gulf cartel and Los Zetas. More than 400 inmates escaped from prisons
in Tamaulipas between JAN 2010 and MAR 2011 thanks to corrupt
prison officials. The Cedes 2 penitentiary was the scene of another mass
escape last DEC, when 151 inmates managed to escape. Friday's mass
escape came less than two months after 17 inmates tunneled their way out
of a prison in Reynosa, a city across the border from McAllen, TX. In MAR,
the person appointed to run Cedes 2 after the disappearance of the warden
who presided over the DEC escape was stabbed to death by an inmate.
Forty-one guards were charged in connection with last year's breakout from
Cedes 2. Over the weekend, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, or
Fedecaco, said the federal government was to blame for the mass prison
escapes in Mexico because it allows severe overcrowding at penitentiaries.
Fedecaco warned more than two years ago of the risk of mass escapes from
prisons if the federal government did not deal with the problem of
overcrowding. The prisons in Tamaulipas are holding more than 2,000
dangerous inmates arrested on federal charges who belong to drug cartels
and other organized crime groups. Mexico's drug cartels sometimes engineer
mass prison breaks in response to the killings and arrests of their gunmen.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Intelligence Center
received information from RGV Sector Intelligence
Assets regarding an ongoing gun-battle in Matamoros,
Tamaulipas, MX. Information indicated that the Mexican
Military and unknown Transnational Criminal
Organization (TCO) members were involved in a gun-
battle approximately 6 miles south of the B&M POE in
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
Brownsville. TCO members also placed blockades
throughout Matamoros. Mexico authorities confirmed that a
shootout took place between armed men and soldiers just
outside downtown Matamoros. Reports stated that there
were blockades and gunfire near Calle 20 and Diagonal
Cuauhtemoc. One report stated that 18 armed men were
engaged in battle with soldiers.
MONTERREY — In the northern city of Monterrey, drug-related murders this year are on pace to
double last year’s and triple those of the year before. In recent weeks, a tortured teenager was
hanged alive from a bridge. Two of the governor’s bodyguards were dismembered and
dumped with messages threatening the state leader. Last week, gunmen killed 20 people in a
bar where Ziploc bags of drugs were found, the largest mass murder to date in the metro
area of 4 million people. This week: 14 were killed in separate incidents Wednesday, eight more
Thursday. Officials say Los Zetas and the Gulf cartel divided the city when they split in early
2010 and are trying to outdo each other with grisly displays.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
• Reports that gunmen murdered four people, including two police officers, in
two attacks in Monterrey. Security forces killed five gunmen in the shootout.
Reports state that men armed with large-caliber weapons staged a
simultaneous attack on an officer at a food stand outside the police, killing
him. Two men eating with the officer were also killed in the shooting.
• Reports that five gunmen are dead following a deadly clash with Mexican
soldiers in Valle Hermoso. Officials report that solders were on patrol when they came under fire by a
group of armed men. The soldiers returned fire and killed five gunmen during the battle. Authorities
seized four assault rifles, ammunition and a vehicle. The identities of the five gunmen has not been
released but the case remains under investigation.
Significant Events in Mexico (cont)
Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA)
Military operations throughout northern Mexico yielded several tons of narcotics, weapons, ammo
and narco-tanks, states a report released this week by SEDENA. The states included in Operation
Northeast, a strategy to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime, are Coahuila, Nuevo León,
Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosí between 01 JUL and 10 JUL 2011.
Seizures:
• 385 assault rifles, 191 handguns,124,288 rds of ammo, 1,959 ammo clips, 61 grenades, four grenade
launchers, 51 military-style uniforms, 20 bulletproof vests and 16 tactical helmets.
• Push-to-talk radios and cell phones
• 18.82 tons of marijuana, 8,998 doses of small amounts for personal use of marijuana, 8,926 personal
doses of cocaine and 991 psychotropic pills.
• Arrested 122 people and rescued 30 people who were allegedly kidnapped.
• 191 vehicles and two trailers, six vehicles customized with steel plaques, aka ―monsters.‖
approximately $816,633 USD
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
UPDATES & ASSESSMENT
OPERATION BORDER STAR
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Absconds 30
Bailouts 17
Criminal Arrests 520
Fugitive Arrests 182
Gang Related Criminal Arrests 68
Pursuits 16
Scouts/Decoys 4
Caltrops 0
Splashdowns 0
Illegal Alien Apprehensions
IAs/Referrals 108
IAs/USBP 2,370
OTMs 913
OTM Countries
Brazil 1
Chile 1
China 18
Columbia 6
Costa Rica 1
Cuba 1
Dominican Republic 1
Ecuador 15
El Salvador 211
Eritrea 1
Guatemala 272
Honduras 309
India 56
Lebanon 1
Nepal 3
Nicaragua 10
North Korea 1
Peru 1
Portugal 1
South Korea 1
Sri Lanka 1
Tajikistan 1
Zambia 1
Contraband Seizures
Marijuana 25,149.71 lbs
Cocaine 482.04 lbs
Heroin 21.78 lbs
Methamphetamine 0.01 lbs
Currency $178,910.00
WeaponsHandgun(s) 21
Long Gun(s) 15
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered
Stolen 29
Recovered 16
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.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
OBS Weekly Assessment
Marijuana seizures decreased from 32,772.92 lbs last week to 25,149.71 lbs this
week. In the Laredo Sector, USBP Hebbronville Agents at the HWY 16 Checkpoint
seized 832.6 lbs of marijuana concealed within a lead-lined false compartment of
a horse trailer, pulled by a brown 1996 Ford F-350. In the RGV Sector, Cameron
Co SO SIU Investigators received information of a suspicious crate that had been
picked up by a local freight company. After a K-9 alerted positive to narcotics,
Investigators obtained a search warrant and found 1,482 lbs of marijuana inside
the crate. This is the third seizure since APR 2011 by Cameron Co of wooden
crates concealing marijuana at a commercial freight company warehouse. As
reported in the 24 JUN 2011 BOSA, DPS-CID Agents made a seizure involving
1,964 lbs of marijuana in wooden crates loaded in a freightliner trailer from a
warehouse in McAllen, TX. The total estimated street value for reported marijuana
seizures during this reporting period is $13.9 million.
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Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View
Marijuana (lbs) Long-Term Trendline
35,461.88
29,480.0632,772.92
25,149.71
0
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10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
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1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View
Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average
2011 Weekly Average
08 APR 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
On 12 NOV 2010, THP Brenham stopped a 1997 Ford Van on US-59 and arrested one suspect after locating 155 lbs of marijuana concealed in a
hollowed out void inside 22 sheets of plywood. The marijuana originated in Houston, TX, and was destined for Tenaha, TX.
On MAY 2010, a Ford F-350 with a stack of plywood in the truck bed on US-83 was stopped by USBP, assisted by Zavala Co SO, ATF and CBP. Agents found a false compartment within the stack of plywood
which contained 52 AR-15s, four AK-47s, one SKS, one Ruger Mini-14, one FAL rifle, and 49 assorted high-capacity magazines
In OCT 2010, USBP Agents (Laredo) followed a pickup onto a ranch where the occupants bailed out and absconded. The Agents seized 75 bundles of marijuana
weighing 1,276.8 lbs that was concealed inside stacks of plywood in the truck’s bed.
On 07 DEC 2010, THP Victoria Co seized 197.8 lbs of marijuana concealed in a false compartment made to look like stacks of plywood being transported in a 2004 Chevrolet van. The driver was from Edinburg and traveling from Pharr, TX to Houston, TX on US-59N. (This same vehicle later
was used to traffic marijuana concealed in a portable gas tank.)
On January 14, 2011, Nevada HIDTA Interdiction Task Force (ITF) officers stopped a 2005 Kenworth and discovered 141 lbs of marijuana concealed in a false compartment inside a stack of plywood. The first few sheets of plywood were full sheets; however, the center of the plywood was hollowed out. The
marijuana was transported from Northern CA to Las Vegas, NV, and was to be transported to the Midwest Region of the US. (Ref: EPIC Tactical Intel Bulletin EB11-11)
LAST WEEK’s BOSA: Guadalupe Co SO seized 67 semi-automatic weapons and ammo concealed in a void in a load of drywall and plywood on a trailer. The trailer was towed by a black Ford pickup. The male driver was
traveling on IH-10W. The driver and passengers were from Eagle Pass, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)
Cocaine seizures almost doubled from last week’s total, from 245.94 lbs
to 482.04 lbs this week. The largest single seizure occurred in the RGV
Sector where USBP Agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint seized 203 lbs
of cocaine in the headliner of a Freightliner truck. In the Laredo Sector,
CBP/OFO Officers at the Gateway to Americas Bridge in Laredo, TX
seized 57.97 lbs of cocaine concealed within the seats of a grey 2008
Ford Fusion. The total estimated street value for reported cocaine
seizures totaled $14.2 million. For this reporting period, the cash value
of cocaine surpassed the cash value of marijuana.
Heroin and methamphetamine seizures for this week’s reporting period total 21.78 lbs and 0.01
lbs, respectively. In the RGV Sector, USBP Agents at the Sarita Checkpoint seized 21.2 lbs of
heroin from a Hyundai Sonata.
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Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View
Cocaine (lbs) Long-Term Trendline
576.49
141.51
245.94
482.04
0
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200
300
400
500
600
700
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Short-Term ViewLast 4 Weeks
2010 Weekly Average
2011 Weekly Average
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
X-ray machines can be defeated with lead, and the trafficking organizations have
been utilizing lead-lined compartments to attempt to circumvent the POE and
Checkpoint x-ray scanning systems. The lead-lined compartments shield the
contraband from detection, but can be detected by a trained Agent/Officer.
Frequently, the compartments are located in anomalies in the vehicle where the
Agent/Officer expects to see an open space.
CBP-OFO Eagle Pass POE #2Red 2007 Honda Civic
Two occupantsNon-Factory Compartment
Lead-linedRocker Panels
81.22 lbs of cocaine15 JULY 2011 BOSA
CBP-OFO Hidalgo POE2010 Nissan Altima
One occupantNon-Factory Compartment
Lead-linedTop of Wheel Well
12.7 lbs of heroin13 MAY 2011 BOSA
CBP-OFO Ysleta POE1999 Ford Winstar
Non-Factory CompartmentLead-lined
Under the Center Console
79.8 lbs of cocaine01 JULY 2011 BOSA
LEAD-LINED BATTERIES
USBP/Starr Co HIDTADodge P/U – City of La Grulla
Water District Truck
11.4 lbs of cocaine13 MAY 2011 BOSA
CBP-OFO Eagle Pass POE #21999 Dodge Status
11.4 lbs of cocaine29 APR 2011 BOSA
DEL RIO
RGV
EL PASO
RGV
DEL RIO
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)
Bulk currency seizures decreased from $239,224 USD last week to
$178,910 USD this week. The largest single seizure occurred in the Coastal
Bend Sector where THP Kleberg Co seized $116,260 USD concealed in
juice packages in a 2010 Jeep Patriot SUV traveling on US-77S from
Baytown to Matamoros, MX.
The street value of all contraband seized this week represents a loss to Mexican DTOs
and the criminal networks that support them of approximately $29.2 million.
Illegal alien apprehensions increased from 2,100 last week to 2,370 this week. OTM
apprehensions increased from 875 last week to 913 this week. There were four ASIC
apprehensions from Eritrea (1), Lebanon (1), North Korea (1), and Tajikistan (1).
$0
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$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
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$7,000,000
$8,000,000
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Currency Seizures ($) Long-Term View
Currency Seizures (USD) Long-Term Trendline
103,431.00
244,619.00 239,224.00
178,910.00
0.00
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500,000.00
600,000.00
700,000.00
800,000.00
900,000.00
1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11
Currency Seizures ($) Short-Term ViewLast 4 Weeks
2010 Weekly Average
2011 Weekly Average
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
B
O
S
A
R
e
v
i
s
i
t
e
d
Car seat Concealments
Although seat concealments are not uncommon, there has been an increase in this
method in the last several months. Since JAN 2011, the majority of seat concealments
occurred in the El Paso Sector, followed by the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Sectors,
involving no specific type of vehicle or contraband. Two recent seizures involved
electronically controlled compartments in the back car seats.
Hidden electronic compartment
under the left rear seat. The
compartment contained 6 kilos of
cocaine wrapped in sheets of lead.
Electronically
controlled
smuggling
compartment.
Electronic
piston
20 JUL 2011
20 MAY 2011
26 JUN 2011
15 JUL 2011
22 MAY 2011
22 JUL 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
There continues to be reports of suspects impersonating police officers in the RGV Sector. This
tactic is often used by Mexican cartel members against private citizens in Mexico. There has been a
marked increase in the number of these incidences in Texas, especially in the RGV Sector. This
poses a great risk to both officers and the public. During this reporting period, both incidences
occurred in Harlingen, TX.
Officer Safety: Police Impersonators
On 18 JUL 2011, three male subjects, posing as FBI agents, took a
victim’s 2006 blue Dodge Durango at the intersection of Bass Blvd
and Expressway 83 in Harlingen, TX. The victims stated that three
men in a white, full-sized van flashed their lights and pulled him
over. One of the subjects displayed a silver handgun and another a
red club.
Theft of Law Enforcement EquipmentIn the RGV Sector on 21 JUL 2011, unknown subject(s) burglarized a US
Marshals Agent’s vehicle parked outside a apartment complex and stole a
black bullet proof vest, a blue wind breaker, and a blue baseball cap all with
―US Marshals‖ on it.
The BOSA has reported on seven incidences since 21 JAN 2011 of subjects
stealing police equipment such as uniforms, tactical gear, and weapons from
law enforcement vehicles.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTERTEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
[email protected] Duty Phone: 512-424-7561
Fax: 512-424-7041
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