Agents Make Big Pot Bust Near Ft. Hancock

FORT HANCOCK, TX – A marijuana haul on Tuesday in Hudspeth County was recorded as the largest seizure of the drug this year, U.S. Border Patrol agents said. Officials made the bust after a motorist lost control of his vehicle and flipped his trailer on FM Road 192, spilling over 3,000 pounds of the contraband, a news release said.

Agents said they saw theutility trailer traveling northbound from the levee just north of the U.S./Mexico boundary. The vehicle was next seen traveling west on I-10 near McNary, Texas. Agents became suspicious and began following the truck when it made a U-turn across the median and drove east on I-10, they said.

The driver made an abrupt right turn that caused the utility trailer to flip onto its side. Agents approached the vehicle and noticed several cellophane wrapped bundles. The driver, an 18-year old U.S. citizen, was unhurt in the accident and was placed under arrest pending further investigation, authorities said.

Authorities took thevehicle,marijuana and suspect to the Ft. Hancock Station for processing. A total of 3,006 pounds of contraband tested positive for marijuana, authorities said.The value of the drug haul is estimated at $2.4 million.

Additionally,after a background check, agents determined the vehicle carrying the contraband was stolen.