CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION This document was created by Texas Department of Public Safety’s Border Security Operations Center in conjunction with federal, state, and local Unified Command partners as part of ongoing border security efforts and should be safeguarded and protected in accordance with the requirements of the above classification. The above classification CONTROLLEDincludes this UNCLASSIFIEDdocument andINFORMATIONany accompanying – LAW ENFORCEMENTattachments SENSITIVEand/or e-mails. Key Events and Findings • This week two incidences of narcotics concealed in furniture were reported in the Laredo Sector. Previously, a seizure utilizing this method was reported in the Laredo Sector that was highlighted in the 07 JAN 2011 BOSA), as well as two occurrences in NOV and DEC of last year in the RGV and El Paso Sectors.
• On 29 MAR 2011, CBP-OFO Officers at the Stanton Street international crossing in the El Paso Sector seized 148 AK-47 magazines, 1 M4 (AR-15) magazine, and six thousand rounds of ammo concealed in the upper front roof compartment of a 1999 Chevrolet Express conversion van driven by a Mexican National who resides in Cd. Juárez.
• On 31 MAR 2011, a Douglas Co, Georgia SO Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Ford F-350, towing a rented U-Haul car dolly with a 1999 Toyota Camry (all with AL plates) destined for McAllen, TX. The stop resulted in the seizure of $1,157,270 USD packed in vacuum sealed bundles, concealed inside the gas tank.
• In the RGV Sector, a suspect deployed several spikes in an effort to evade officers to splash down into the Rio Grande in an attempt to return the load to Mexico.
• Per an Officer Safety Bulletin from the Coastal Bend JOIC, knives were located in the rear of each of the vehicles from two large marijuana seizures in Gonzales Co, readily available and in plain sight.
• On 2 APR 2011, Mexican federal police arrested Jose Manuel Garcia Soto, alias "El Safado," or "The Crazy One," another suspect in the attack that killed ICE Agent Jaime Zapata and wounded ICE Agent Victor Avila on a highway in central Mexico nearly two months ago.
• On 04 APR 2011, two USCs were killed at the San Ysidro border crossing (California) as they sat in a vehicle waiting to enter the US.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Sherman Dallam Hansford Ochiltree Lipscomb Sig. Mexico Events 287 p. 97-104 Hartley Moore Hutchinson Roberts Hemphill 287
Oldham Carson Wheeler TTABLEABLE OFOF Potter Gray Statewide Corridor Seizures Collingsworth Deaf Smith Armstrong Randall Donley p. 89-96 27 Parmer Castro Swisher Briscoe Hall Childress
Hardeman Lamb Floyd ONTENTS Hale Motley Cottle Wichita ONTENTS Bailey Clay C Foard C Wilbarger
Montague Lubbock Lamar Crosby Dickens King Knox Baylor Archer Cooke Grayson Fannin Red River Cochran Hockley Bowie
Delta
Franklin Morris Morris Jack Titus Lynn Garza Denton Collin Yoakum Throckmorton Young Wise Hunt Hopkins Terry Kent Stonewall Haskell Cass Cam Rockwall p Rains Marion Dallas Wood Upshur Grant Tarrant Palo Pinto Parker Borden Fisher Gaines Jones Shackelford Stephens Scurry Dawson Harrison Kaufman Otero Van Zandt Dona Ana Howard Mitchell Eastland Hood Ellis Andrews Martin Taylor Johnson Somervell Henderson Gregg Nolan Callahan Erath Panola Luna Rusk Hill Navarro Ector Comanche Cherokee El Paso Hudspeth Loving Winkler Coke Runnels Bosque Anderson Shelby Glasscock Coleman Midland Sterling Brown Freestone Nacogdoches Hidalgo Hamilton Limestone Ward McLennan San Augustine Culberson Mills Hudspeth Crane Upton Reagan Coryell Houston Irion Tom Green Leon Sabine Concho Falls Angelina McCulloch Lampasas Reeves Trinity San Saba Bell Robertson Jasper Madison Newton Schleicher Menard Burnet Crockett Polk Tyler Milam Jeff Davis Jeff Davis Mason Llano Williamson Walker Pecos Brazos El Paso Sector Grimes Burleson San Jacinto Sutton Kimble Hardin Gillespie Lee Montgomery Blanco Travis Washington p. 05-24 Terrell Liberty Bastrop Waller Orange Kerr Hays Harris Edwards Kendall Austin Val Verde Fayette Comal Caldwell Presidio Real Jefferson Brewster Bandera Chambers Fort Bend Guadalupe Colorado Bexar Gonzales Galveston Kinney Uvalde Medina Lavaca Marfa Sector Wilson Brazoria Wharton DeWitt Jackson Frio p. 25-31 Zavala Karnes Matagorda Atascosa Victoria Goliad Live Dimmit Bee Coastal Bend Del Rio Sector Oak Refugio La Salle San Sector p. 32-41 Jim Patricio Wells Duval Nueces Webb p. 75-88 Overall Assessment Kleberg
Jim Brooks Kenedy p. 105-111 Laredo Sector Hogg Rio Grande p. 42-53 Starr Willacy Valley Sector Cameron p. 54-74 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Operation BORDER STAR 30 MAR – 5 APR 2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE EL PASO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR
23 MAR – 5 APR 2011
EL PASO EL H U S D T E P H
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS
USBP Horizon City PD CBP – OFO Ysleta Del Sur Tribal PD ICE El Paso ISD PD West TX HIDTA University of Texas El Paso PD EPIC El Paso Community College PD TMF El Paso Office of Emergency DPS Management TPWD US Army, Ft. Bliss CID Texas Tech University PD El Paso CO SO Texas Comptroller of Public Hudspeth CO SO Accounts Dona Ana CO SO (NM) Texas Attorney General, El Paso Grant CO SO (NM) Union Pacific Railroad PD Hidalgo CO SO (NM) Texas Alcohic Beverage Luna CO SO (NM) Commission Otero CO SO (NM) El Paso County Constables Anthony PD El Paso PD Full Map/Table of Contents CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – –LAWLAW ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE SENSITIVE El Paso Sector The Unified Command provided the following reports:
Contraband Seizures Illegal Alien Apprehensions IAs/Referrals 0 Marijuana 2,635.01lbs IAs/USBP 322 Cocaine 35.418 lbs OTMs 7 Heroin 0 lbs El Salvador 1 Methamphetamine 0.997 lbs Guatemala 1 Currency $1,422.00 Honduras 1 Countries Pakistan 1 Ecstasy, 13 pills, PCP, 24 pills, Poland 1 Other Hashish Oil, 0.011 lbs, Psilocybin, 0.132 lbs Peru 2
Handgun(s) 3 Vehicles Stolen / Recovered Stolen 15 Weapons Long Gun(s) 0 Recovered 6 Explosive(s) 0 Recovered in Mexico 44
Absconds 0 Bailouts 0 Criminal Arrests 106 Fugitive Arrests 32 Gang Related Criminal Arrests 12 Pursuits 1 Scouts/Decoys 0
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE El Paso Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
El Paso UC Currency Seizures El Paso UC Marijuana Seizures $25,000 4,500.00 $23,680 4,000.00 3,839.59 $20,000 3,500.00 2,876.92 $14,775 3,000.00 $15,000 2,635.01 2,500.00 2,000.00 $10,000 1,500.00 1,000.00 $5,000 981.14
Pounds ofMarijuana PoundsSeized 500.00 Amount of US ofUS AmountCurrency Seized $0 $1,422 $0 0.00 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
El Paso UC Cocaine Seizures El Paso UC Illegal Aliens 120.00 400 351 98.83 350 322 100.00 300 80.00 250 297 248 60.00 200 49.21 150 40.00 42.14 100 35.42 20.00
Pounds ofCocaine PoundsSeized 50 Number of IAs ofIAs NumberApprehended 0.00 0 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Gang activity Twelve gang-related incidents were reported during this period involving twelve arrests of members from ten different gangs. The incidents involved: Family Violence Assault, Possession of Marijuana, Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a Sex Offender, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Carry of a Weapon (Pistol), Evading Arrest or Transport, Resisting Arrest, and Assault on a Public Servant. A juvenile Hacienda Heights gang member was arrested for the Unlawful Carry of a Pistol, and the PAISA gang member was the sex offender arrested by Texas DPS/CID and ICE. Vatos Locos Varrio Glenwood Barrio Azteca (1 Suspected) Paisas North Side Locos Varrio Hacienda Heights 36 Mafia Los Fatherless Southside Locos Folk
NorthSide Locos are a Norteno Set. According to the El Paso Police Department’s gang data base, there are approximately 109 confirmed members. Most of their activity is in Northeast El Paso and East El Paso. Their primary color is red and they use the number 14 representing the letter ―N.‖
Photos from Social Networking Site
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Gang activity (cont)
Life The Folk Nation is composed of several “sets” under their name, just as Surenos have many subsets, and Nortenos have their subsets. The Folk Love Nation origin is from Chicago. Their rivals are members from the People Loyalty Nation. They identify with the number 6 (6 point star etc.) and by dressing to the right (right pant leg pulled up, cap tilt to the right…etc). According to the El Paso Police Department’s gang data base, there are approximately 290 confirmed Folk Nation gang members in El Paso. Understanding Knowledge As seen to the right, each point on their star has a meaning: Love, Life, Loyalty, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding. Wisdom
Some of the major Folk Nation sets are: Black Gangster Disciples Black Disciples Gangster Disciples Imperial Gangsters La Raza Spanish Cobras Latin Eagles Latin Disciples Maniac Latin Disciples Simon City Royals Spanish Gangster Disciples Two Sixers International Posse
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Gang Activity (cont) On 29 MAR 2011, El Paso DPS CID Agents received information of a possible fugitive from ICE. PABLO NUNEZ was wanted for Illegal Entry and was identified as a sex offender. NUNEZ has been identified as a PAISAS gang member. Surveillance was established at NUNEZ’s last known address, and he was subsequently arrested without incident by Agents with the Border Enforcement Security Team (BEST) Team and DPS CID.
PABLO NUNEZ DOB: 07/05/1970
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information CBP-OFO Officers at the Bridge of the Americas POE seized: 25 MAR 2011 28.31 lbs of Marijuana 2001 Pontiac Grand Am Concealed: Front Rocker and Quarter Panels
27 MAR 2011 16.98 lbs of Marijuana 1996 Honda Civic Concealed: Non-Factory Compartment inside the heater core 28 MAR 2011 35.05 lbs of Marijuana 1992 Ford Explorer Concealed: Spare Tire
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) CBP-OFO Officers at the Bridge of the Americas POE seized: 28 MAR 2011 47.49 lbs of Marijuana 2000 Hyundai Sonata Concealed: Spare Tire
28 MAR 2011 168.48 lbs of Marijuana 1997 Chevrolet Silverado Concealed: Fuel Tank
29 MAR 2011 37.37 lbs of Marijuana 1999 Mercury Tracer Concealed: Fuel Tank
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information CBP-OFO Officers at the Santa Teresa, NM, POE seized: 30 MAR 2011 91.71 lbs of Marijuana 1997 Ford Windstar Concealed: Floor Board, Frame area
30 MAR 2011 173.28 lbs of Marijuana 1984 Chevrolet Concealed: Floor Board, Frame area
CBP-OFO Officers at the Paso del Norte POE seized: 31 MAR 2011 173.28 lbs of Marijuana 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Concealed: Floorboard
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) CBP-OFO Officers at the Bridge of the Americas POE seized: 31 MAR 2011 33.20 lbs of Marijuana 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Concealed: Spare Tire
31 MAR 2011 40.7 lbs of Marijuana 1994 Ford Taurus Concealed: Fuel Tank
31 MAR 2011 63.41 lbs of Marijuana 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Concealed: Dash and Firewall
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) CBP-OFO Officers at the Ysleta POE seized: 30 MAR 2011 46.78 lbs of Marijuana 1997 Honda Accord Concealed: Door panels and dash
CBP-OFO Officers at the Stanton Street POE (Southbound Operations) seized: 29 MAR 2011 148 AK-47 magazines, one M4 (AR-15) magazine, and six thousand rds of ammo
1999 Chevrolet Express conversion van Concealed: Upper roof compartment
The driver, a Mexican National, Jose Guadalupe HERNANDEZ Loya, 38 years-old and Ciudad Juarez resident, was booked into the El Paso Co Detention Facility without bail.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) CBP-OFO Officers at the Paso del Norte POE seized: 29 MAR 2011 78.93 lbs of Marijuana 2008 Chrysler Sebring Concealed: Quarter and rocker panels
31 MAR 2011 2.24 kilos (4.93 lbs) of Cocaine and 95.68 lbs of Marijuana 1996 Cadillac Deville Concealed: Non-factory compartment in the trunk and tire well 31 MAR 2011 6.5 kilos (14.32 lbs) of Cocaine 2003 Oldsmobile Alero Concealed: Driver’s side rocker panel
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) On 26 MAR 2011, USBP Agents at the Las Cruces Border Patrol Checkpoint on IH-25 seized 113 lbs of marijuana concealed in the gas tank of a maroon Chevy Astro Van. The operator of the vehicle was GILBERT ESPINOZA, who is the brother Columbus Mayor Eddie Espinoza. Mayor Espinoza is currently facing gun smuggling charges (as seen in last week’s BOSA).
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information (cont) DPS 149 flew in support of Operation Border Star. On 02 APR 2011, the Aircrew observed a vehicle in the desert driving without lights. The Aircrew attempted to elude the helicopter. The El Paso Co SO was contacted. Prior to the arrival of the Deputies, three occupants fled from the vehicle on foot into the desert and attempted to hide in bushes. Utilizing the FLIR system, the Aircrew was able to track the movements of the suspects and was able to guide EPCO SO ground units to the suspects’ locations.
Three subjects flee from vehicle Two subjects hiding in bushes
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) An El Paso THP Trooper : • On 02 APR 2011, conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation on a blue 2003 Ford F-350 pickup on US-62. During the course of the contact, the Trooper discovered that the VIN number did not appear correct, and that the NADA sticker had been removed. A check of the VIN reveled that the VIN was issued to a 1999 vehicle. The vehicle was found to have been reported stolen in Oklahoma City in 2006. Further investigation will be conducted by NICB Agents and El Paso DPS CID Agents. • On 02 APR 2011, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle pulling a commercially manufactured trailer on US-62 near the intersection of FM-659. A check of the license plate returned to a homemade trailer. Additional inspection of the trailer revealed the vehicle identification number (VIN) had been ground off. Further investigation revealed that the trailer was stolen in Las Cruces, NM, in December 2010. • On 31 MAR 2011, observed suspicious person on Gateway IH-10W near the Yarbrough exit. Near the person, the Trooper observed a motorcycle that displayed an altered license plate. After consent to search was granted, the search revealed a bag of crack cocaine hidden in the subjects waistline along with $2,680 USD in cash. The subject was arrested for felony forgery of a government document and possession with intent to distribute.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont)
Meth lab components
Lorcin L380 Handgun On 03 APR 2011, an El Paso THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Blazer on IH-10E near MM 55. The driver did not produce a driver license and gave a false name of "Christopher Myers." The driver was identified by his prison ID card as Mark Carter. A probable cause search lead to the discovery of a .380 handgun (fully loaded with round in chamber) in a pocket behind passenger seat, methamphetamine, and components for complete meth lab. Carter was found to have three felony warrants out of Missouri. Both Carter and his passenger were arrested, and are facing federal charges pending further Prison ID investigation by the ATF and DPS CID. CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) On 01 APR 2011, DPS 149 assisted the El Paso Co SO in a DWI/Narcotics Task Force off IH-10 in the 11750 Block of Gateway East at the ―El Rodeo Dance Hall.‖ The aircrew assisted with traffic stops/arrests by utilizing the Night Sun to light up the surrounding areas for ground units on traffic stops. El Rodeo - 1,500 person Task Force Members occupancy limit conducting traffic stops
On 03 APR 2011, DPS Aviation 149 assisted the El Paso PD by responding to a Disturbance in Progress call. Several subjects were seen standing in front of a residence. Several other subjects had previously fled on foot into the residential area. Utilizing the FLIR system, the aircrew was able to locate three suspects attempting to hide behind an SUV, several houses down from the initial scene. Ground units were contacted and guided to the location of the three suspects.
Three subjects hiding next to SUV
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) For the week ending 02 APR 2011, the Border Auto Theft Information Center (BATIC) received 3,154 inquiries/callers requesting information on suspicious vehicles. The BATIC Specialists responded affirmatively to 38 of the calls with stolen vehicle information forwarded to the requesting officers.
On 28 MAR 2011, El Paso CID Agents recovered six (6) stolen vehicles from Mexico. The property value of the vehicles recovered was set at $67,325 USD.
El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment The El Paso Sector experienced a increase in seizures of marijuana and meth and a decrease in cocaine, heroin and currency during this reporting period. Of the total 2,635 lbs of marijuana seized, 684 lbs was seized at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA), 418 lbs at the Ysleta POE, 1,028 lbs at the Paso Del Norte POE, 264 lbs at the Santa Teresa POE, and 114 lbs in the Lordsburg area. There were 26 reported marijuana seizures across the POE’s totaling 2511.14 lbs. Cocaine seizures at the POEs; BOTA POE 7.32 kilos, Ysleta POE 2.24 kilos, and 6.5 kilos at the Paso Del Norte POE. Vehicle quarter panels, tires, and fuel tanks remain the predominate concealment locations in a wide variety of vehicles. One significant non-narcotic seizure of 149 AK magazines and 6,000 rds of 7.62x39.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment (cont) The El Paso PD reported 17 marijuana seizures totaling 123.84 lbs and 9 cocaine seizures totaling 0.0264 kilos. The El Paso Co SO reported one marijuana seizure totaling 0.03 lbs and one cocaine seizure totaling .001 kilos. THP reported one cocaine seizure of 0.011 kilos.
During this reporting period, 322 IAs were apprehended. IA apprehensions increased by 74 from the previous week’s 248. The total reported IA apprehensions within the El Paso Sector from January 5 through April 5, 2011 is 3,133 with 197 being other than Mexican (OTM).
BRAZI 61 OTM CAMBO From 1/05 – 1/11 (119 apprehensions) From 1/12 – 1/18 (178 apprehensions) GUATE GERMA, 1 From 1/19 – 1/25 (243 apprehensions) POLAND, 1 ITALY BANGL, 1 From 1/26 – 2/01 (205 apprehensions) PREU, 2 PAKIS, 0 HONDO HONDUR, 1 From 2/02 – 2/09 (140 apprehensions) INDIA From 2/10 – 2/15 (256 apprehensions) CAMBO, 1 NICAR ARGEN, 2 ECUAD, 7 BRAZI, 7 From 2/16 – 2/22 (186 apprehensions) ELSAL From 2/23 – 3/01 (311 apprehensions) ARGEN From 3/02 – 3/08 (340 apprehensions) ELSAL, 5 ECUAD From 3/09 – 3/16 (234 apprehensions) HONDUR From 3/16 – 3/22 (351 apprehensions) BANGL INDIA, 5 GUATE, 19 From 3/23 – 3/29 (248 apprehensions) GERMA From 3/30 – 4/05 (322 apprehensions) HONDO, 6 PREU NICAR, 1 POLAND PAKIS Leading IA OTMs Jan 5 to date: ITALY, 2 Guatemala 60 Honduras 28 1155 IA Apprehensions between Mar 9 - Apr 5 El Salvador 24 India 19
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment (cont) Citywide (YTD through April 2nd, 2011) City-wide index crime continues to show a decrease by Offense 2010 2011 % Change 10% compared to the same time frame last year. Murder 1 12 1,100% There is a noted 1,100% increase (11) in murders, a Sexual Aslt 35 56 60% 60% increase (21) in sexual assaults, a 7% decrease Robbery 107 99 -7% (8) in robberies, a 5% decrease (129) in assaults, a 7% Assault 2,792 2,663 -5% decrease (30) in burglary, a 14% decrease in larceny, a Burglary 448 418 -7% 26% decrease (122) in vehicle theft, and a 7% Larceny 3,361 2,905 -14% decrease (44) in vehicle burglary. (Provided by the El Paso Police Department) Vehicle Theft 468 346 -26% *Burg Vehicle 659 615 -7% Total: 7,212 6,499 -10% Population of El Paso: 649,121 (2010 Census) Population El Paso City and County 700,000 *** Crime Rate: 1120 1008 -10%
Sexual Aslt, Murder, 12 Sexual Aslt, 56 *Burg Vehicle , 35 Murder, 1 Robbery, 99 659 Robbery, 107 *Burg Vehicle , 615 Veh Theft, 468 Murder Veh Theft, Murder 346 Sexual Aslt Sexual Aslt Aslt, 2,792 Robbery Aslt, 2,663 Robbery Aslt Aslt Larceny , 3,361 Larceny , Burglary 2,905 Burglary Larceny Larceny Veh Theft Veh Theft Burglary, 448 *Burg Vehicle Burglary, 418 *Burg Vehicle
City wide for week ending 04/02/2010 City wide for week ending 04/02/2011
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE MARFA UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR 23 MAR – 5 APR 2011
H U D S P E T H C U L B E R S O N R E E V E S
J E F F D A V I S P E C O S
T E R R E L L
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS P R E S I D I O B R E W S T E R USBP Hudspeth CO SO CBP - OFO Jeff Davis CO SO ICE Pecos CO SO NPS Presidio CO SO West TX HIDTA Reeves CO SO TMF Terrell CO SO TPWD Alpine PD DPS Fort Stockton PD Brewster CO SO Pecos PD Culberson CO SO Presidio PD Full Map/Table of Contents CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – –LAWLAW ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE SENSITIVE Marfa Sector The Unified Command provided the following reports:
Contraband Seizures Illegal Alien Apprehensions
Marijuana 3,100.19 lbs IAs/Referrals 0
Cocaine 0.02 lbs IAs/USBP 74 Heroin 0 lbs OTMs 1 Methamphetamine 0.012 lbs OTM Countries Ghana 1 Currency $2,340.00
0.43 Hashish, Vehicles Stolen / Recovered Vicodin 10 Pills, Other Promethazine 2.5 lbs, Stolen 0 Ecstasy 4 Pills, Valium 12 Pills Recovered 1 Handgun(s) 1 Weapons Long Gun(s) 0 Explosive(s) 0
Absconds 2 Bailouts 1 Criminal Arrests 76 Fugitive Arrests 1 Gang Related Criminal Arrests 0 Pursuits 0 Scouts/Decoys 0
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Marfa Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
Marfa UC Currency Seizures Marfa UC Marijuana Seizures $450,000 3,500.00 $406,035 3,100.19 $400,000 3,000.00 $350,000 2,500.00 $300,000 $250,000 2,000.00
$200,000 $173,662 1,500.00 1,355.24 $150,000 1,000.00 1,130.89 $100,000 500.00
$50,000 Seized Marijuana of Pounds Amountof US CurrencySeized 646.87 $5,858 $2,340 $0 0.00 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
Marfa UC Cocaine Seizures Marfa UC Illegal Aliens 180.00 100 160.44 94 160.00 90 95 140.00 80 70 120.00 74 60 100.00 61 50 80.00 40 60.00 30
40.00 20 Pounds ofCocaine PoundsSeized
20.00 ofIAs NumberApprehended 10 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.02 0 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont)
Marfa USBP Agents in Jeff Davis Co apprehended three (3) IAs and seized 151.60 lbs of marijuana in a creek located at Chispa Ranch. The subjects and marijuana were turned over to DEA.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Big Bend National Park USBP Agents in Brewster Co assisted by Border Patrol Air seized 549.45 lbs of marijuana and apprehended one USC in a white 2003 Ford F250 4X4. Two subjects were seen absconding from the area. The marijuana, vehicle, and one subject were turned over to the DEA. The other subject absconded and was not apprehended.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Big Bend Park Rangers in Brewster Co seized 2,179 lbs of marijuana from a pickup truck that was abandoned (broken down) on a rural dirt road in the BBNP. The marijuana and vehicle were turned over to DEA.
Hudspeth Co SO with assistance from Sierra Blanca Border Patrol Agents apprehended one IA (driver of reported stolen vehicle) and recovered one stolen vehicle. The IA has a Felony warrant out of Colorado and is awaiting extradition.
Fort Stockton Police Department, assisted by DPS 119, searched for a suspect that fled on foot from the Ft Stockton PD. The suspect was not located.
Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment Marijuana seizures are up compared to last week, which was mainly due to the 2,000+ lb marijuana seizure in Big Bend National Park. Other than this large seizure, marijuana apprehensions are up this week by a little more that 50%, including the large seizure, totals are up by about 300%. A total of 3,100.19 lbs of marijuana was seized by the Unified Command in the Marfa Sector this week. The largest seizure of 2,179 lbs was reported by Big Bend National Park Rangers in Brewster Co. The second largest seizure was 549.45 lbs of marijuana seized by USBP in the Big Bend National Park in Brewster Co.
For the first 14 weeks of 2011, the weekly marijuana seizure average for Marfa Sector is 2,653 lbs. For the first 14 weeks of 2010, the weekly average was 1,399 lbs.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment (cont) Marfa Sector Marijuana Seizure Totals, 2009, 2010, 2011
6000
5000
4000 2009 3000 2010 2011 2000 2011 Weekly Average 1000
0
A total of 0.02 lbs of cocaine and 0.012 lbs of methamphetamine was seized this week. Additionally, a total of 2.5 lbs of Promethazine w/codeine was seized by USBP at the I-10 Checkpoint in Hudspeth Co. Hashish seizures rose to 0.43 lbs. Currency seizures were down this week from $406,035 USD last to this week’s single seizure of $2,340 USD seized by Sierra Blanca Border Patrol Agents at the I-10 Checkpoint. One stolen vehicle (Colorado) was recovered. The arrested subject was an IA from Colorado, who had an outstanding Felony Warrant and is currently awaiting extradition in Hudspeth Co. IA apprehensions were down across the area, 74 IAs were apprehended this week compared with 95 last. The East / West Interstate corridors (I-10 and I-20) were relatively quiet this week. There has been increased activity and narcotics seizures in southern Brewster Co in Big Bend National Park.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE DEL RIO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR 23 MAR – 5 APR 2011
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS E D W A R D S USBP Maverick CO SO CBP-OFO Real CO SO V A L V E R D E ICE-FNU Val Verde CO SO South TX HIDTA Uvalde CO SO R E A L NPS Zavala CO SO USCG Del Rio PD TPWD 38th Judicial District (Volunteer) TMF Dimmit CO Constable (Volunteer) DPS Edwards CO SO (Volunteer) Dimmit CO SO Uvalde PD (Volunteer) Kinney CO SO K I N N E Y U V A L D E
M A V E R I C K
Z A V A L A
D I M M I T
Full Map/Table of Contents
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Del Rio Sector The Unified Command provided the following reports:
Contraband Seizures Illegal Alien Apprehensions Marijuana 2,151.7 lbs IAs/Referrals 22 Cocaine 0.003 lbs IAs/USBP 461 OTMs 81 Heroin 0 lbs El Salvador 11 Methamphetamine 0 lbs Guatemala 22 Currency $0 OTM Countries Honduras 43 Costa Rica 1 Other 0 Ecuador 4
Vehicles Stolen / Recovered Handgun(s) 0 Stolen 0 Weapons Long Gun(s) 0 Recovered 9 Ammunition 0
Absconds 13 Bailouts 9 Criminal Arrests 15 Fugitive Arrests 8 Gang Related Criminal Arrests 0 Pursuits 3 Scouts/Decoys 2
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Del Rio Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
Del Rio UC Currency Seizures Del Rio UC Marijuana Seizures $50,000 2,500.00 $44,639 $45,000 2,151.70 $40,000 2,000.00 $35,000 1,445.39 $30,000 1,500.00 $25,000 $20,000 1,000.00 $15,000 $17,000 814.40
$10,000 500.00 595.52 Pounds ofMarijuana PoundsSeized
Amount of US ofUS AmountCurrency Seized $5,000 $7,959 $0 $0 0.00 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
Del Rio UC Cocaine Seizures Del Rio UC Illegal Aliens 70.00 600 59.40 505 60.00 500 51.02 50.00 405 461 400 40.00 387 300 30.00 200 20.00 15.66
Pounds ofCocaine PoundsSeized 10.00 100 Number of IAs ofIAs NumberApprehended 0.00 0.00 0 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Southbound operations Maverick Co SO Deputies, working Operation OUTBOUND at the Eagle Pass POE with CBP- OFO, randomly checked a 1996 Volvo tractor Re-enforced windows and windshield trailer. An armored 2011 Jeep Cherokee was found inside of the trailer. The vehicle was legally purchased and delivered to a car dealer in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. The vehicle was then sent to a company in the US to be armor plated. It is unknown as to why it was being transported back to Mexico in the box semi-trailer and not declared. At this time the intended destination is unknown. CBP is handling the Armor plating around seizure and forfeiture proceedings. radiator
Armor plating around key engine compartments
2011 Jeep Cherokee
Armor plated hood CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Gang activity A Garner State Park Officer received a tip that a campground guest was a fugitive with an active warrant out of Galveston Co. The subject had been released on an $80,000 bond for an Aggravated Sexual Assault charge and had Failed to Appear. Galveston Co confirmed the warrant and advised that the subject was a confirmed member of the MEXICAN MAFIA. A five man team was assembled, and the subject was apprehended at his campsite without incident. The subject was transported to the Uvalde Co Jail. Additional information Maverick Co SO Deputies received information concerning: • Possible narcotics being dropped off in front of a house in Eagle Pass on Wagon Wheel Rd. The Deputies arrived at the location and noticed several black and white bags in front of the specified location. With the assistance of USBP K-9, nine bags were recovered, which contained a total of 424 lbs of marijuana. The marijuana was turned over to Maverick Co CID for processing. • Possible narcotic smuggling in a high traffic area along US-277. The Deputy entered a wooded area near Elm Creek and observed several subjects abscond from the area. A search yielded four large black packages. The items were seized, and inspection revealed them to be 336 lbs of marijuana. A Dimmit Co Deputy Constable made a traffic stop on a 2000 Chevrolet 1500 truck on SH-85 in Big Wells, TX. The driver identified himself as a USC. USBP was called for assistance as the Deputy Constable suspected all subjects were IAs. When questioned by USBP Agents, all seven passengers stated that they were Mexican Citizens in the US illegally. Carrizo Springs USBP Agents transported the driver and seven IAs to the USBP station for processing. The driver is being released due to juvenile status. The vehicle was seized. CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Dimmit Co SO Deputies and USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 116, conducted a raid on a home in Carrizo Springs, TX. The house was searched due to information that it was being used to hold IAs. The house was empty at the time of the search.
USBP Agents, assisted by DPS Air 116, followed a group of suspected IAs attempting to avoid the USBP checkpoint on US-57 in Dimmit Co. The subjects fled on foot, splitting into two groups. The Aircrew guided Agents to two of the subjects, and the four remaining were captured shortly thereafter. All were taken into custody: three Mexicans, one Honduran, and two Guatemalans. Two IAs in custody
USBP Agent providing water to IA
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) CBP-OFO Officers working inbound at the Del Rio POE referred a 2002 Jeep Cherokee to secondary following a negative declaration. The Officer received high buster readings on the rear quarter panel of the vehicle. Inspection of the vehicle revealed narcotics concealed in all doors, spare tire, both quarter panels, the rear hatch, and the ceiling liner. A total of 135.34 lbs of marijuana was discovered and seized. Federal Prosecution was accepted on the driver who was a daily crosser. Bundles in door
Bundles in quarter panels
Wood blocks set to hold bundles in Bundles in spare tire place and allow window to roll down
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) A Uvalde PD K-9 Officer responded to a Fed Ex store in Uvalde where the manager advised of a suspicious package leaking an unknown substance. When management opened the package the distinct odor of raw marijuana was noted. Further investigation revealed that the package contained approximately 20 lbs of marijuana, surrounded by an unknown liquid substance is still unknown at this time. The appropriate agencies, in relation to the packages travels, have been notified, including the DEA.
As part of an ongoing investigation, DPS, CID, ICE, and DEA Agents executed a search warrant on a residence in Del Rio after 48 hours of continuous surveillance. A total of 804.13 lbs of marijuana was seized and four subjects were arrested. On 28 MAR 2011, a DPS-CID Agent observed several subjects loading backpacks into the back seat and trunk of a 2005 Pontiac Grand Am on US-277 near Sycamore Creek. The vehicle was followed as it traveled south on US-277 until a Kinney Co SO Deputy made contact and performed a stop. The subjects bailed out and absconded west toward the Rio Grande. DPS-Air 116 tracked them to within one mile of the river before losing the sign. The backpacks were in plain view when the Deputy approached the abandoned vehicle. The backpacks contained 308 lbs of marijuana. DPS took custody of the contraband and Kinney County SO seized the vehicle. After further investigation, an arrest was made.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) A Dimmit Co SO Deputy: • Observed a white 2006 Dodge Durango traveling west on SH-85 near Brundage, TX. A registration check revealed that the vehicle was stolen, per San Antonio PD. The vehicle was pursued as it turned south on FM-190, then quickly Punched out lock & made a u-turn heading back north, and Broken steering finally turned east back onto SH-85. The column driver bailed out into a local ranch approximately one mile east of Brundage, TX. The driver absconded. The vehicle was recovered and impounded.
• Attempted to stop two trucks driving in tandem approximately one mile east of FM-468 on SH-85. The Deputy started to pursue the black Chevrolet truck reported stolen out of Austin. The occupants bailed out approximately three miles west of Dilley, TX, on SH-85. The second truck was located abandoned. All occupants had bailed out and absconded. The second vehicle was recovered by the Frio Co SO east of Dilley, TX, off SH-85.
Punched out lock
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Del Rio Sector Unified Command Sector Assessment Marijuana seizures continue to increase with a total of 2,151 lbs, compared with last week’s total marijuana seizures, 814 lbs. Cocaine seizures declined with only a minimal user amount seized, 0.003 lb. There was an absence in seizures of methamphetamine, currency, and weapons/ammunition this reporting period. A recent increase in violent activity within the Zeta DTOs in the cities of Piedras Negras and Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico, is a potential indicator for the disruption in drug smuggling observed this week. The vigilance of the Unified Command agencies has helped maintain order along the Marijuana seizures US-Mexico border in the Del Rio Sector. Of significance for southbound activity, was the seizure of an armored vehicle (a 2011 Jeep Cherokee) outbound at the Eagle Pass POE. The vehicle was bound for an undetermined buyer in Mexico and was not declared at the POE. This incident remains under investigation by CBP-OFO and ICE. Recent intelligence concerning armored vehicles being sought in Mexico, appears to have validity and continues to be monitored by the Del Rio JOIC. IA apprehensions decreased from 505 to 461 this reporting period. An increase in IAs detected and apprehended is expected as individuals historically begin the trek back north in search of employment this time of year. Along with the IAs, a corresponding increase in the recovery of stolen vehicles to transport those IAs further into the interior of the US continues to be observed in the southeastern part of the Del Rio Sector. Current stolen recoveries stand near 100 for 2011, putting the sector on track to surpass the 2010 totals for stolen recoveries of 244. Planned cooperative task force operations to address this specific issue are being implemented by the federal, state, and local UC in the Del Rio and the adjoining Laredo sector. Stolen Vehicle Recovered CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE LAREDO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR 23 MAR – 5 APR 2011
F R I O
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS
CBP Jim Hogg CO SO ICE La Salle CO SO TPWD Webb CO SO TMF Zapata CO SO DPS Dilley PD Duval CO S O Laredo PD L A S A L L E Frio CO SO Pearsall PD
W E B B
D U V A L
Z A P A T A J I M H O G G
Full Map/Table of Contents CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Laredo Sector The Unified Command provided the following reports:
Contraband Seizures Illegal Alien Apprehensions IAs/Referrals 84 Marijuana 4,568.59 lbs IAs/USBP 949 Cocaine 13.51 lbs OTMs 145 Heroin 12.16 lbs Brazil 1 Methamphetamine 8.95 lbs China 1 Dominican Republic 3 Currency $ 2,777.00 Ecuador 8 El Salvador 30 Other -- OTM Countries Guatemala 50 Honduras 43 India 6 Handgun(s) 1 Nicaragua 1 Weapons Long Gun(s) 1 Peru 1 Sri Lanka 1 Explosive(s) 0 Vehicles Stolen / Recovered Absconds 8 Stolen 11 Bailouts 4 Criminal Arrests 17 Recovered 8 Fugitive Arrests 0 Gang Related Criminal Arrests 0 Pursuits 3 Scouts/Decoys 1
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Laredo Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
Laredo UC Currency Seizures Laredo UC Marijuana Seizures $80,000 8,000.00 $67,937 7,147.42 $70,000 7,000.00 $60,000 6,000.00
$50,000 5,000.00 4,568.59 4,203.57 $40,000 4,000.00 $30,000 3,000.00 $20,000 2,000.00
$10,000 1,000.00 Poundsof Marijuana Seized Amountof US CurrencySeized $3,070 $0 $2,777 1,111.43 $0 0.00 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
Laredo UC Cocaine Seizures Laredo UC Illegal Aliens 250.00 1,060 1,035 1,040 192.46 200.00 1,020
150.00 1,000 980 967 100.00 960 940 953 949
50.00 Pounds ofCocaine PoundsSeized 10.20 13.51 920 0.02 ofIAs NumberApprehended 0.00 900 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information Laredo PD Officers arrested: • On 29 MAR 2011, a male subject at Springfield Ave and Travis St in Laredo, Texas. The male subject was charged with Possession of a Control Substance F/2 (cocaine) and Possession of a Control Substance F/2 (Heroin). Officers recovered 0.009 lbs of Heroin in a liquid vial and 0.011 lbs of cocaine wrapped in 6 doses.
• On 30 MAR 2011, Laredo PD Officers arrested two female subjects at 3100 Salinas Ave and charged with Possession of Marijuana F/2 (Cocaine). Officers recovered 31 doses of cocaine with a total weight of 0.063 lbs. Also recovered was $2,777 USD.
• On 30 MAR 2011, Laredo PD Officers arrested one male subject at 3100 San Luis St. and charged with Unlawful Carrying of Weapon. Officers recovered two pistols with ammo.
All subjects were remanded to Webb Co Jail.
On 31 MAR 2011, USBP Cotulla Agents initiated a traffic stop on a white Ford F-150 traveling northbound on IH-35 in La Salle Co. Agents observed three military-style duffle bags in the back seat. A K-9 alerted to the presence of 96.78 lbs of marijuana. The two subjects, narcotics and vehicle were taken to station for processing.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) USBP Agents: • On 30 MAR 2011, initiated a traffic stop on a green 1999 Ford Expedition traveling on FM-2295 north of Hebbronville, TX. The pursuit resulted in a bailout with all subjects absconding. Agents seized 8 large bundles consisting of 425 lbs of marijuana. The marijuana was turned over to DEA and the vehicle was seized. (Hebbronville)
• On 30 MAR 2011, working on the Chapote Ranch found six bundles of abandoned marijuana totaling 204.8 lbs. No arrests were made. The marijuana was turn over to DEA. (Laredo West)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) USBP Agents: • On 31 MAR 2011, seized 935.8 lbs of abandoned marijuana from a residence in San Ygnacio, TX. The marijuana had been stacked next to the residence. A partially-loaded black Dodge Ram pickup was found at the same location. Agents observed eight subjects absconding back to Mexico. The vehicle and contraband were turned over to DEA. (Zapata)
• On 31 MAR 2011, seized 7.9 lbs of cocaine at the IH 35 Checkpoint near Laredo. The cocaine was concealed within the dash of a blue 1992 Ford F-150 driven by a male subject. The vehicle, cocaine, and the male subject were turned over to the DEA. (Laredo North) • On 03 APR 2011, working along US-83, recovered a stolen 2005 Ford F-250 out of San Antonio, TX. The vehicle was turned over to the Duval Co SO. No arrests were made. (Freer) • On 05 APR 2011, initiated a traffic stop on a red 2004 Nissan Titan pickup traveling on Mines Road, in Laredo, TX. The agents seized 347 lbs of marijuana from the vehicle. Two male subjects, marijuana and the vehicle were turned over to ICE. (Laredo North)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information CBP-OFO Officers at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge seized: On 31 MAR 2011, 12.15 lbs of Black Tar Heroin at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge. The Black Tar Heroin was concealed within two wooden chairs and a wooden hamper on a Commercial Passenger Bus. The heroin was seized.
On 31 MAR 2011, 8.95 lbs of methamphetamine at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge. The methamphetamine was concealed within an EXIDE battery on 2003 Ford Ranger. The female subject was arrested and the vehicle, and methamphetamine were seized.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) On 02 APR 2011, La Salle Co SO Deputy recovered stolen silver 2006 Chevy Silverado C-1500 Excab pickup out of Austin involved in a USBP bailout incident. The subject vehicle was towed to the La Salle Impound Yard.
On 02 APR 2011, CBP/OFO Officers seized 5.54 lbs of abandoned cocaine at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge (inbound), Laredo, TX. The cocaine was concealed within a trashcan, aboard a commercial bus (Omnibus Mexicans). No arrests were made.
On 04 APR 2011, Jim Hogg Co SO Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a silver 2005 GMC 2500 pickup truck, traveling on SH-359, near the Wagner Ranch in Hebbronville, TX. After a brief pursuit, the occupants of the vehicle bailed out and absconded into the brush. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Houston, TX. The vehicle was impounded by Jim Hogg C SO. No arrests were made.
Webb Co SO Deputies:
• On 31 MAR 2011, were dispatched to Espejo Ranch Gates on US-83 in reference to a deceased person report. The male subject was found by a ranch owner next to a silver vehicle. The subject was transported to the medical examiner’s office.
• Initiated a traffic stop on a white 1992 Chevrolet Astro van, traveling on Texas SH-359, near Old Milwaukee Road, Laredo. Both occupants of the vehicle were found to be in this country illegally and were turned over to USBP. The vehicle was impounded.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) On 04 APR 2011, CBP/OFO Officers seized 217.91 lbs of marijuana at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge (inbound), Laredo. The marijuana was discovered inside of a 1994 Chevrolet Beauville van. The female driver was arrested and vehicle seized.
On 04 APR 2011, Duval Co SO Deputies: • Initiated a traffic stop on a white 1996 Mazda 4-door passenger vehicle traveling on CR-407, near Falfurrias, TX. The three occupants of the vehicle were found to be in this country illegally and were turned over to USBP. The vehicle was impounded.
• On routine patrol on CR-407 attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2005 gold Ford F-250. The vehicle made a abrupt stop and the driver bailed out and absconded. The vehicle was reported stolen out of San Antonio. The vehicle was seized.
• Initiated a traffic stop on a black 2005 Ford F-150 traveling on CR-407 near Falfurrias, TX. The driver had two passengers found to be in this country illegally. All three subjects were turned over to USBP. The vehicle was impounded.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) On 5 APR 2011, CBP/OFO Officers seized 2,341.3 lbs of marijuana, from a white 2000 International tractor/trailer at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, TX. The marijuana was concealed within wooden ottomans discovered inside the trailer. The driver was released by ICE pending review of his case. The marijuana was turned over to ICE.
USBP Cotulla Agents recovered:
• On 4 APR 2011, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, in Artesia Wells, TX. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Denton, TX. The vehicle was turned over to the La Salle Co SO. No arrests were made.
• A stolen 2001 Chevrolet Silverado after a CBP Air unit spotted the vehicle abandoned in the brush east of IH-35. Multiple subjects were observed running from the scene. Agents apprehended five subjects, none of which were the driver. The vehicle was turned over to La Salle Co SO. The subjects were processed for removal.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment The Laredo Unified Command had a slight increase in marijuana seized for this reporting period from 4,203.57 lbs to 4,568.59 lbs. The total amount of currency and cocaine seizures last week can be attributed to two separate seizure incidents of $59,620 USD and a 92.82 lb cocaine seizure. Those large seizures are anomalies in weekly seizure totals, and therefore account for the significant drops in cocaine and currency seizures this week.
Currency Seizures (USD) – Laredo Sector – 2011 YTD Cocaine Seizures (lbs) – Laredo Sector – 2011 YTD
$140,000 600.00 565.50 $118,100 $120,134 $120,000 500.00
$100,000 400.00 $88,070 $80,000 $67,937 300.00 $60,000 200.00 192.46 $40,000
100.00 $20,000
$0 0.00 7-Jan-11 7-Feb-11 7-Mar-11 7-Apr-11 7-Jan-11 7-Feb-11 7-Mar-11 7-Apr-11
The significant seizures this period were: 2,341.3 lbs of marijuana seized by CBP/OFO at the World Trade Bridge. CBP/OFO Officers also seized 12.15 lbs of black tar heroin at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment (cont) Alien apprehensions were slightly lower, however, there was a significant increase in OTMs. This is due to a large increase in Guatemalans (from 21 to 50) and Hondurans (from 32 to 43).
OTMs of Significant Numbers in Laredo Sector – 2011 YTD
Nicaragua 11 India 63 Honduras 318 Guatemala 293 El Salvador 211 Ecuador 33 Cuba 3 Colombia 5
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
A significant number of stolen vehicles from the Austin and San Antonio areas continue to be recovered around the Cotulla area. The IH-35 corridor remains a significant stolen vehicle corridor due to the easy access to parking lots (malls, shopping centers, etc) and car dealerships. Stolen vehicles from Laredo remain steady.
A 27-acre fire destroyed seven residences and one business in El Cenizo, TX. The fire consumed property on both sides of the Rio Grande. This was a high traffic area for alien and narcotics crossings. It is anticipated that illegal traffic will now have to shift southward toward San Ygnacio (Ignacio) or northward through Rio Bravo and south Laredo.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE RIO GRANDE VALLEY UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR 23 MAR – 5 APR 2011
UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS USBP La Grulla PD CBP – OFO La Joya PD ICE Mercedes PD USCG Mission PD Starr CO HIDTA Palmview PD DPS Penitas PD B R O O K S K E N E D Y TPWD Pharr PD TMF Port Isabel PD Cameron CO SO Raymondville PD S T A R R Hidalgo CO SO Rio Grande City PD Kenedy CO SO Roma PD Starr CO SO San Benito PD Willacy CO SO San Juan PD Brownsville PD Weslaco PD H I D A L G O Harlingen PD Univ of Texas-Pan W I L L A C Y Hidalgo PD American (UTPA) PD
C A M E R O N
Full Map/Table of Contents
CONTROLLEDCONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION INFORMATION – –LAWLAW ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE SENSITIVE Rio Grande Valley Sector The Unified Command provided the following reports:
Contraband Seizures Illegal Alien Apprehensions Marijuana 20,655.68 lbs IAs/Referrals 17 Cocaine 8.9 lbs IAs/USBP 1,091 Heroin 12.6 lbs OTMs 525 Methamphetamine 0 lbs Currency $105,279.00 Vehicles Stolen / Recovered Stolen 1 Other -- Recovered 2
Absconds 4 Handgun(s) 3 Weapons Long Gun(s) 3 Bailouts 5 Explosive(s) 0 Criminal Arrests 40 Handgun(s) 4 Fugitive Arrests 2 Southbound Long Gun(s) 4 Gang Related Criminal Arrests 35 Weapons Explosive(s) 2 Pursuits 11 Scouts/Decoys 0
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Rio Grande City Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
RGV UC Currency Seizures RGV UC Marijuana Seizures $300,000 30,000.00 26,570.00 $263,273 $250,000 25,000.00 26,188.98 $200,000 20,000.00 23,547.54 20,655.68 $150,000 15,000.00 $105,279 $100,000 10,000.00
$50,000 5,000.00
Pounds ofMarijuana PoundsSeized Amountof US CurrencySeized $20,800 $9,394 $0 0.00 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
RGV UC Cocaine Seizures RGV UC Illegal Aliens 140.00 1,140 1,122 124.91 1,120 120.00 1,100 100.00 1,080 1,088 1,091 1,060 80.00 1,040 60.00 1,020 1,000 996 40.00 46.56 980
Pounds ofCocaine PoundsSeized 960
20.00 ofIAs NumberApprehended 940 0.06 8.90 0.00 920 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Gang activity The Hidalgo Co SO Gang Intelligence Unit reported 35 gang member arrests this reporting period. These arrests were made by 11 different agencies in the RGV sector. The gang members were arrested for offenses such as: parole violation, aggravated robbery, theft of property, driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, assault causing bodily injury, failure to ID, evading arrest detention w/ vehicle, possession of controlled substance, murder, public intoxication, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and obstruction or retaliation. The arrestees have gang affiliation with: Vallucos Sureno 13 West Side Pharrolito Mexican Mafia Po’ Boys Texas Syndicate Loco Trece Tri-City Bombers Partido Revolucionario Mexicanos Latin Kings Texas Chicano Brothers
Additional Information USBP requested assistance from DPS Air 108 in the area of the 23rd St. wall and Guerra Rd after a National Guard unit spotted a group of suspects running across Guerra Rd. The NG unit lost site of them once they reached the brush. The Aircrew located the group of suspects hiding in the brush with the FLIR camera. Ground units were guided to the group and a total of 13 suspects were apprehended. An additional two suspects were located by the Aircrew hiding in a tree approximately 25 yards from the group. USBP Agents believed the two were the guides, and they were also taken into custody.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information(cont) CBP Officers: • From the Hidalgo POE inspected an outbound 1991 Chevrolet Tahoe. During a secondary inspection, officers discovered four AK 47 assault rifles, four hand guns, two hand grenades, 13 magazines, and 213 rds of ammo concealed in the vehicle’s quarter panel. McAllen bomb squad took possession of the grenades. The Mexican driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.
• From the Brownsville Veterans Bridge inspected a 1999 GMC Suburban with Texas license plates being driven by a female USC. Inspection of the vehicle revealed 12.63 lbs of heroin concealed in the radiator. The subject was arrested and vehicle seized.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) CBP Officers from the B&M Bridge inspected an inbound 1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with Mexico license plates being driven by a male USC. The inspection revealed 37.8 lbs of marijuana concealed in the rear quarter panel of the vehicle. The subject was arrested and vehicle seized.
USBP Agents from the McAllen Station seized 393.8 lbs of marijuana and a vehicle near Havana, TX. Two subjects were arrested and the narcotics turned over to DEA.
Rio Grande City PD Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a pewter Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck on US-83 in Rio Grande City, TX. The driver of the truck refused to stop and officer pursued the truck to a private drive where the driver bailed out. After securing the vehicle, officers discovered 574.6 lbs of marijuana in the bed of the truck.
ANALYST NOTE: Last week, a Starr Co SO Border Interdiction Deputy apprehended a vehicle with similar characteristics. Both vehicles are: American-made pickup trucks (this week Chevrolet 1500, top; last week F-150, right), light colored, and equipped with the same headache rack. (Headache racks are metal racks installed just behind the cab of the truck and are utilized to protect the back glass and provide anchor points to help secure cargo.) Trucks that fit this particular description are some of the most frequently stolen vehicles often utilized by the DTOs because of ability to blend in with the numerous local sought after farm and work trucks.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) USBP Agents working near Sullivan City saw a suspicious pickup truck driving north from the Rio Grande. When the driver spotted the Agents’ vehicle, he turned around and headed south toward the river. In an attempt to prevent their narcotics load from being confiscated, a subject inside the vehicle deployed several caltrops. When the truck reached the riverbank, the driver and passenger bailed out and swam to Mexico. Two of the tires on the USBP unit were flattened, but the Agents still seized nearly 800 lbs of marijuana from the vehicle. TPWD Wardens responded to information from the USBP La Joya involving a raft with approximately five subjects in distress near the Orange Gates Rd. The subjects had been pushed back towards the Mexican side of the Rio Grande by USBP land based agents. Upon arrival, the raft had already made landing on the Mexican side of the river. One USBP marine unit was on location. Two subjects (both H/M, approx. 20 yrs old) were witnessed offering physical gestures and uttering verbal comments towards Game Wardens and USBP personnel. Within 15 minutes several more subjects arrived and picked up the subjects that had been on the raft. A CBP air unit arrived to offer cover. All subjects then departed the area without further incident. Brownsville PD Officers working the Gang Task Force received a citizen complaint in regards to illegal narcotics being stored at a residence in Brownsville. Officers made contact with the homeowner who gave consent to search his residence. A total of 138 lbs of marijuana were discovered inside a bedroom closet. The male resident was arrested and transported to the city jail. CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Starr Co SO Deputy: • Responded to a call in reference to a resident who stated there was an abandoned vehicle in his backyard. Upon arrival, the Deputy and the homeowner went to the backyard where a green Dodge van was parked with the engine still running. The resident also stated to the Deputy that he heard someone running into the brush when he went into his backyard. The Deputy noted several bundles of marijuana inside. A thorough inspection of the vehicle revealed a total of 1,116.8 lbs of marijuana in 139 bundles inside the vehicle.
• On routine patrol observed a white Suburban stationary at a stop sign. When the driver saw the Deputy, the driver put his vehicle in reverse and turned onto another road. The Deputy turned around and followed the Suburban, then attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated and a pursuit ensued. The driver made another turn and stopped about a quarter mile down the road. Upon stopping, the Deputy observed the driver and approximately 20 other male subjects believed to be illegal aliens absconded.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Starr Co SO Deputy observed a blue SUV pass him on Military Hwy at a high rate of speed. The Deputy engaged in a pursuit in which the SUV made several turns in an attempt to lose the Deputy. Upon the last turn, the Deputy observed the SUV on its roof. The Deputy approached the vehicle on foot and found the vehicle to be unoccupied, but did find several bundles of marijuana in the vehicle and on the roadway. DPS, ICE, and La Grulla PD assisted in searching for the driver who was not found. The Deputy recovered a total of 458.8 lbs of marijuana.
Marijuana bundles Marijuana bundles
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information (cont) DPS Air 108 while on patrol near known high volume smuggling routes west of McAllen, observed DTOs attempting a narcotics smuggling operation near La Grulla, TX, on the Rio Grande. The Aircrew notified USBP out of Rio Grande City, TX, and were able to cause enough disruption to turn back the load. The load vehicle, a tan, newer model Chevrolet Suburban, fled at a high rate of speed into the interior of Mexico. At that time, the Aircrew observed an aluminum Jon Boat picking up scouts on the riverbank, as well as a newer model Ford F250 pickup headed for the river boundary at a high rate of speed from the interior of Mexico. The Aircrew observed as DTO members were en-route to recover their boat team. The Aircrew observed several DTO members unload a custom made dolly to remove the outboard motor and put it in the maroon F250 pickup. The Aircrew was able to record the license plate. A check through DPS McAllen communications confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from the US.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Starr Co SO Deputy was patrolling the San Isidro area when a concerned citizen informed him that he had observed two males climbing a ranch fence onto FM-1017. The Deputy had knowledge of a bailout of illegal aliens in the area the night before. The Deputy proceeded to area and after a brief search, the Deputy found two males hiding in the brush. Both males stated that they were from Michoacán, Mexico, and were in the US illegally. Both produced Mexican identification cards. Both subjects were turned over to USBP.
In a similar nearby incident, Starr Co SO Deputy was dispatched to a ranch where the ranch manager stated that he encountered two male subjects, who asked him for water. The manager told the two males that he had notified the Starr Co SO of their presence on his ranch. The younger male said he was not going to allow his capture and fled. The older male stated that he wanted to return to his country and waited for the deputy to arrive. Upon the Deputy’s arrival, the male subject stated that he was with a group that had bailed out of a vehicle after a police pursuit the day before. This subject was also from Michoacán. He was turned over to USBP.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Starr Co SO Deputies were patrolling FM-2294 when they observed a white Chevrolet pickup truck with hay bales in the bed traveling north on FM-2844. Deputies attempted to stop the truck but engaged in a pursuit after the driver refused to stop. The driver then turned onto Arrowhead Rd and crashed through a ranch gate. The driver continued speeding through the ranch ramming two more gates. Deputies lost contact with the pickup but continued following the dust clouds to the end of Arrowhead Ranch on FM-681 in Hidalgo Co. Once on FM-681, deputies attempted to stop a blue and gray SUV to ask if they had seen the pickup. When deputies signaled the SUV to stop, the SUV driver accelerated south. Deputies engaged in a second pursuit with the SUV but lost contact after the SUV made several evasive manuvers. Damaged fence due to driver crashing through
Pharr PD Officers found two men smoking marijuana outside a local residence. Officers questioned the men and arrested them. The Officers found small amounts of marijuana in their possession. After arresting the men, an Officer searched the house and found 440 lbs of marijuana in several large bundles in one of the closets. Police also arrested the homeowners, a 25-year-old woman and her 17-year-old husband.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information(cont) Raymondville PD and Willacy Co SD are investigating the theft of ten M1 rifles from the Raymondville VFW Post. The VFW was burglarized and only the rifles were taken. Investigators arrived and noticed wheel barrow tracks in the gravel parking lot. Investigators followed the tracks to a nearby wooded area where all ten rifles were found along with ammo boxes containing blank rds. The rifles are used for ceremonial purposes but could be modified to fire live ammo. Police believe the weapons were stashed to be picked up at a later time.
Stock Photo of M1 Rifle
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Cameron Co SIU Investigators received information of a suspicious wooden crate that had been picked up by a commercial freight company. Investigators at the freight company conducted a free air search with a K-9 which alerted to the crate. Upon opening the crate, investigators discovered 408.2 lbs of marijuana. The destination of the crate was a commercial address in Kansas City, MO.
Bundles wrapped in Nashua cold temperature aluminum tape.
A THP Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2005 Chrysler Sebring near Alto Bonito in Starr Co. The driver of the Chrysler refused to stop. After a short pursuit, the driver bailed out and fled on foot. While conducting an inventory of the vehicle, the Trooper discovered 336 lbs of marijuana in 28 bundles on the floorboard and trunk of the vehicle. The driver was not found.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Mission PD assisted USBP and ICE Agents regarding undocumented subjects. While agents were conducting surveillance on a residence in Mission, a Mission PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect green Dodge Neon vehicle after it left the residence. Agents then noticed a Ford F-250 truck backing into the side of the residence. The Ford F- 250 truck, displaying North Carolina plates, came back stolen out of McAllen. The driver was later identified and released to the custody of the USBP and the vehicle was impounded. A consent to search was later conducted at the residence and a total of 18 undocumented subjects were taken into custody by agents.
THP Trooper conducted: • A traffic stop on a northbound 2004 Silverado with KS license plates near Linn, TX. During the roadside interview, Trooper observed signs of criminal activity. A consensual search of the vehicle revealed 50.2 lbs of marijuana in 68 bundles concealed in the gas tank. The driver was arrested
• A traffic stop on a northbound 2003 Chevrolet 1500 pickup with a homemade trailer on FM 755 near Rio Grande City. During the roadside interview, Trooper observed signs of criminal activity. A consensual search of the trailer revealed 136.9 lbs of marijuana concealed in wheel wells of the trailer. CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Mission PD received a tip from a woman who claimed to have escaped from a house in Mission where she claimed to being drugged and sexually abused along with another woman. Officers secured a search warrant and proceeded to the residence. Upon executing the search warrant, the Officers discovered three assault rifles, ammo, various types of high frequency radios, 10 cell phones and $105,279 USD, and three vehicles. Four male suspects were arrested.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information (cont) Sullivan City PD, assisted by DPS Air, THP, Palmview PD, and La Joya PD, pursued a fleeing vehicle on US-83. During the pursuit, two of the suspects in the fleeing vehicle were seen throwing caltrops at local law enforcement units. The suspects bailed out of the vehicle south of Military Highway near Sullivan City when their vehicle got stuck in the sand. The Aircrew arrived on scene just after the bail-out and established a search perimeter. The Aircrew was unable to locate the suspects and the search was terminated by Sullivan PD officers. Officers at the scene of the abandoned vehicle found several lbs of marijuana, a life vest, and a tool bag containing caltrops. Several vehicles had been disabled by the caltrops thrown by the suspects.
ANALYST NOTE: The life vest found in the truck is similar to vests DTOs in this area commonly wear when smuggling contraband across the river. If the life vest is wet, often this means that likely a subject in the vehicle was in the boat crossing the Rio Grande. (Photos of people and vest are stock photo.)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) Mission PD Officer observed a black Tahoe and a white passenger vehicle driving recklessly and running motorists off the road on Los Ebanos Rd in Mission. As officers attempted to catch up to the vehicles, the Officer observed both vehicles stop and the driver of the Tahoe exit the vehicle and enter the white car and a passenger of the car entered the Tahoe. Both vehicles then sped off as officer engaged in a pursuit westbound on US-83. As the driver of the Tahoe was attempting to turn, he struck an embankment causing the vehicle to roll over on its side. The driver was exiting the vehicle as the officer arrived. The Officer pursued and captured the driver. Officers at the scene discovered 788 lbs of marijuana in 24 bundles in the Tahoe and a fully loaded pistol next to the window.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional information (cont) THP Trooper conducted: • A traffic stop on a Ford Windstar near San Manuel on US-281. During the roadside interview, the Trooper received conflicting stories from the driver and passenger. A consensual search of the vehicle revealed 62 lbs of marijuana in 49 bundles concealed in luggage, a gym bag and on the back seat.
• A traffic stop on a Ford F-150 near Raymondville on US-77. During the roadside interview, the driver stated that he was going to Alabama. The Trooper also noticed extreme nervousness and criminal indicators. A consensual search of the vehicle revealed 220 lbs of marijuana in 76 bundles concealed in false compartment built into the bed of the truck.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE RGV JOIC Sector Assessment
The RGV Unified Command agencies were responsible for the seizure of over 20,000 lbs of marijuana. This is a 23% decrease from last week. Cocaine seizures decreased from last week to a combined agency total of 8.9 lbs. The USBP, CBP-OFO, DPS Aviation, Pharr PD, DPS THP and CID, Starr Co SO, Hidalgo Co SO, Hidalgo PD, Rio Grande City PD, Palmview PD, Cameron Co SO, Raymondville PD, Willacy Co SO, Mission PD, Brownsville PD, Sullivan City PD and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens contributed significantly to the marijuana seizures.
2011 Marijuana Seizures - RGV Sector 45,000.00 40,000.00 39,364.60 35,000.00 30,000.00 24,772 lbs 25,000.00 20,000.00 15,000.00 10,000.00 13,095.10 5,000.00 0.00 7-Jan-11 14-Jan-11 21-Jan-11 28-Jan-11 4-Feb-11 11-Feb-11 18-Feb-11 25-Feb-11 4-Mar-11 11-Mar-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 2011 Marijuana Seziures 2011 YTD Weekly Average
The Texas Military Forces CD Aviation Unit provided support to RGV Unified Command agencies in the Cameron and Willacy Co areas. USBP effected numerous apprehensions with the assistance of TMF AVN. They also provided an air surveillance platform in US airspace for an RGV Sector management visit to Matamoros.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE RGV JOIC Sector Assessment (cont)
Illegal Alien apprehensions were down 2% for the reporting period from 1,122 to 1,091 this week. The OTM count is up from last week by 3.5% for a total of 525.
Total Illegal Aliens Apprehended in RGV Sector with OTMs 1,200 1,122 1,091 1,000 883 800
600 495 525 400
200
0 7-Jan-11 7-Feb-11 7-Mar-11 7-Apr-11
Total Illegal Aliens Apprehended OTMs Apprehended
The Mexican Military conducted several maneuvers in the cities of Matamoros and Reynosa in search of DTO targets. Several gun battles occurred as a result of this action. A large cache of weapons and currency were seized at a residence in Matamoros. SEDENA reported a very successful week of operations with several tons of marijuana and cocaine being seized in a five-day period. The arrests and seizures were attributed to the military unit stationed throughout the Mexican territory adjacent to the Rio Grande Valley.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE COASTAL BEND UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR 23 MAR – 5 APR 2011
L A V A C A W H A R T O N
D e W I T T M A T A G O R D A UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS
G O L I A D USBP Kleberg CO SO L I V E B E E CBP – OFO Lavaca CO SO O A K R E F U G I O ICE Matagorda CO SO FBI Live Oak CO SO A R A N S A S ATF McMullen CO SO DEA Nueces CO SO
W W E L USCG Refugio CO SO
J J I M S A N P A T R I C I O TPWD San Patricio CO SO
L Houston HIDTA Victoria CO SO S San Antonio HIDTA Wharton CO SO TMF Bay City PD DPS Corpus Christi PD Aransas CO SO Driscoll PD Bee CO SO El Campo PD Brooks CO SO Kingsville PD N U E C E S Dewitt CO SO Orange Grove PD Goliad CO SO Seguin PD B R O O K S Jackson CO SO Three Rivers PD Jim Wells CO SO Victoria PD Karnes CO SO
K L E B E R G CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Full Map/Table of Contents Coastal Bend Sector The Unified Command provided the following reports:
Contraband Seizures Illegal Alien Apprehensions Marijuana 2,373 lbs. IAs/Referrals 80 Cocaine 18.82 lbs. IAs/USBP 80 Heroin 0 OTMs 4 Honduras 2 Methamphetamine .005 lbs OTM Countries El Salvador 2 Currency $ 32,759.00 Vehicles Stolen / Recovered Xanax 101 pills, Stolen 9 Other Pipe bomb (1) Recovered 2
Handgun(s) 2 Weapons Long Gun(s) 0 Explosive(s) 1
Absconds 52 Bailouts 7 Criminal Arrests 374 Fugitive Arrests 181 Gang Related Criminal Arrests 2 Pursuits 9 Scouts/Decoys 0
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Rio Grande City Sector
The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:
RGV UC Currency Seizures RGV UC Marijuana Seizures $300,000 30,000.00 26,570.00 26,188.98 $263,273 $250,000 25,000.00
23,547.54 $200,000 20,000.00 20,655.68
$150,000 15,000.00 $105,279 $100,000 10,000.00
$50,000 5,000.00 Pounds ofMarijuana PoundsSeized
Amount of US ofUS AmountCurrency Seized $20,800 $9,394 $0 0.00 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
RGV UC Cocaine Seizures RGV UC Illegal Aliens 140.00 1,140 1,122 124.91 1,120 120.00 1,100 1,088 100.00 1,080 1,091 1,060 80.00 1,040 60.00 1,020 46.56 1,000 40.00 980 996
Pounds ofCocaine PoundsSeized 960
20.00 ofIAs NumberApprehended 940 0.00 0.06 8.90 920 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Gang Activity Alice PD arrested two confirmed TEXAS SYNDICATE gang members for assault. A handgun and knife were seized during the arrest.
Additional Information
USBP, assisted by DPS Air 103, searched for a group of suspects in the vicinity of the Falfurrias Checkpoint. Approximately 15 IAs were dropped off south of the checkpoint and were attempting to walk around the east side. With the use of the FLIR, 14 suspects were located. One of the suspects assaulted a USBP agent during the course of the search.
IA running after assaulting USBP agent USBP Agent guided to hiding suspect
Assault offender taken into custody Other IA located by helo and USBP
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information (cont) DPS/CID Corpus Christi assisted by Kingsville Task Force, ICE and Texas Parks and Wildlife seized 1,248 lbs of marijuana that was concealed inside modified compartment areas of the floor of a 1988 Baffin Bay Kenner boat. Four suspects were arrested in the Baffin Bay area and were en route from Port Mansfield, TX, to the Kaufman boat ramp in Riviera, TX.
Modified floor compartment for used to conceal marijuana bundles.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information (cont) Lavaca Co SO, assisted by Shiner PD, Hallettsville PD, Wiemar PD, Texas Parks and Wildlife, TDCJ Tracking Division and DPS Air, seized 26 lbs of marijuana that was concealed inside the trunk of a 2002 Lincoln Town car. Several occupants bailed out of the vehicle prior to the seizure. Three Mexican Nationals were apprehended. The vehicle was traveling east on SH-90.
El Campo PD seized 72 lbs of marijuana concealed in the fuel cell of a 2010 Chevy Silverado PU that was traveling north on US-59. The male driver stated he was to be paid $40 USD per pound to take the load from McAllen to Houston.
Seguin PD and US Marshalls serving an outstanding warrant seized a .38 caliber revolver, $4,215 USD and small amounts of hydrocodone and methamphetamine.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information (cont) THP-Jim Wells Co assisted by Jim Wells Co SO seized 27.5 lbs of marijuana that was concealed inside the dashboard and both doors of a 2010 Chrysler 300 traveling from Weslaco, TX, to Dallas on US-281N. Recent tooling on engine cowling Bundled marijuana in dashboard
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information (cont) THP-San Patricio Co assisted by San Patricio Co SO seized 5.5 lbs of cocaine concealed inside the intake manifold of a 1996 Chevy pickup truck traveling from Mission to Houston, TX, on US- 77N.
Cocaine concealed inside intake manifold.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT – LAW SENSITIVE ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information THP-Kleberg Co seized 56 lbs of marijuana concealed inside the fuel cell of a 2006 Nissan Altima traveling from McAllen to Conroe, TX, on SH-285E.
Marijuana bundles concealed inside fuel cell
THP-Refugio Co, assisted by Refugio PD, seized 13.2 lbs of cocaine that was concealed under the clothing of two female occupying a 2009 Ford Fusion traveling from McAllen to Houston on US-77N.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information THP-Gonzales Co assisted by the Gonzales County SO seized 269 lbs. of marijuana co-mingled with red chili peppers that were concealed in produce boxes in the bed of a 2002 GMC pickup truck. The driver was traveling from San Antonio to Houston, TX on IH-10 east.
La Santisima Muerte on back glass of truck
Bundled marijuana co-mingled with produce
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Additional Information (cont) Texas Highway Patrol seized: • Assisted by Gonzales Co SO, 667 lbs of marijuana that was concealed inside the tool compartments of a 1996 Chevy 3500 pickup truck. The male driver was traveling from Delores, TX, to Houston on IH-10E. (THP – Gonzales Co)
• 1.5 lbs of marijuana that was concealed inside a plastic bag located on the floor of a 2001 Lincoln 4-door passenger car that was traveling from El Campo to Wharton, TX, on US-59N. (THP – Wharton Co) • $27,750 USD concealed inside the roof of a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT that was traveling from Houston to Alto Bonito, TX, on FM-755.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE AdditionalInformationInformation(cont) THPNueces-KlebergCo SOseizedseized 50a pipelbs ofbombmarijuanafrom aconcealedresidence ininsideSandia,the TXfuel. Thetanksuspectof a 2001hadChevyactive Impalawarrantsthatfor aggravatedwas travelingassaultnorthwithona USdeadly-77.weaponThe maleand deadlydriver conductand female. The passengeroffender fledwerefrom travelingthe Officerfrombut wasRiolaterGrandecapturedcity. to Corpus Christi, Texas.
ATF attempted to detonate the bomb however the device failed
Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized: • 295.2 lbs of marijuana concealed inside a box spring mattress located inside a U-Haul trailer being towed by a 2002 Chevy Suburban. The female driver stated that she was traveling from Santa Maria, TX, to Houston on US-281N. • 18.4 lbs of marijuana concealed inside the spare tire well of a 2000 Honda Accord traveling from McAllen, TX, to an unknown location in east Texas on US-281N. • 8.3 lbs of marijuana concealed inside two purses that were unclaimed on a ―El Expresso‖ commercial bus. The bus was traveling north on US-281. • 77.2 lbs of marijuana concealed inside the sleeper compartment of a 2004 Kenworth Tractor that was traveling from Edinburg, TX to Missouri on US-77 north.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Coastal Bend JOIC’s Sector Assessment Marijuana seizures decreased in the Coastal Bend Sector over the last reporting period from 3,505.72 lbs to 2,373.8 lbs, while cocaine seizures increased from 0.23 lbs to 18.82 lbs. Three US currency seizures totaling, $32,759 USD were reported in the Coastal Bend Sector, a decrease from $66,542 last week. IA referrals, absconds, and stolen vehicles increased significantly while recovered stolen vehicles decreased. US-281, US-77N and IH-10E were the locations of large narcotic seizures. IH-10E was the location of multiple narcotic seizures for the third straight week.
A review of the Falfurrias Checkpoint reports revealed that between 31 MAR and 6 APR 2011 there were 7,446.85 lbs of marijuana (4 incidents) and no cocaine seized at the Falfurrias checkpoint (US-281N). One tractor trailer and one tanker trailer were seized attempting to conceal large loads of marijuana. One of the loads was concealed in the load of drilling mud mix.
A review of the Sarita Checkpoint on US-77N indicated 2,858.4 lbs of marijuana (4 incidents) and 6 lbs of cocaine (1 incident) reported seized. Two commercial buses were used to conceal small loads of marijuana while one tractor trailer attempted to conceal a large load of marijuana.
The Falfurrias and Sarita Checkpoints continue to be barometers in regards to seizure trends throughout the Coastal Bend Sector. However, this reporting period, the amounts of marijuana from both checkpoints was high, but the number of incidents had dropped significantly at Falfurrias. The Falfurrias incidents dropped to four (4) from thirteen (13). Sarita incidents had four(4) incidents last week and five (5) incidents this week.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Coastal Bend JOIC’s Sector Assessment (cont)
OFFICER SAFETY ISSUE: Two seizures by DPS on IH-10E in Gonzalez Co involved work trucks with unsheathed knives laying in the truck bed. A reported incident by DPS Aviation indicated that an IA in a large group assaulted a USBP Agent during an apprehension as the group was being pursued into the brush after entering private property in an attempt to avoid the checkpoint.
Knife strategically placed next to 667 lbs of marijuana seized in Gonzales Co (04 MAR 2011).
Knife strategically placed next to 269 lbs of marijuana seized in Gonzales Co (5 MAR 2011).
CORRECTION: The THP seizure in last week’s BOSA of 3,279 lbs co-mingled with a load of produce was seized by Wharton Co Troopers, not Live Oak Co Troopers.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE THP [Carson Co.] – • $50,925 USD – engine; Toledo, OH to Los Angeles, CA.
THP [McLennan Co.] – • 86.08 grams of ecstasy & 12 grams of marijuana – dashboard; Bellmead, TX to Waco, TX. THP [Nacogdoches Co.] – • 25 grams of Xanax, 8 • 484 grams of cocaine – grams of marijuana & 4,140 plastic bag thrown from USD – purse & speakerbox; vehicle; Houston, TX to Waco, TX to Austin, TX. Shreveport, LA.
THP [Walker Co.] – • 6 kilos of cocaine – under Round Rock PD [Travis Co.] – bed of truck; Houston, TX to • $290,000 USD – Firewall; Ft Worth to Eagle Pass, TX. an unknown destination.
CID [Milam Co.] – Statewide • $7,514.31 USD – throughout vehicle; Chicago, IL to Laredo, TX. CID [Fort Bend Co.] – Corridor • 14 lbs of methamphetamine – suitcase in trunk of vehicle; Houston, TX to Seizures Beasley, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE 4 APRIL 2011: Round Rock PD conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Chevrolet Uplander and arrested two subjects. A consent to search revealed 18 bundles of US currency, totaling $290,000 USD, within a compartment behind the dashboard, adjacent to the firewall. The vehicle was traveling on IH-35S from Ft. Worth, TX to Eagle Pass, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE ANALYST NOTE: This week’s seizure indicates the continued trend of speaker boxes being utilized in the concealment of contraband.
5 APR 2011: THP Waco, with the assistance of DPS-CID, conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Buick Lacrosse and arrested three suspects. A consent to search revealed 25 grams of Xanax tablets, $4,000 USD and eight grams of marijuana concealed in a speaker box with dryer sheets. The vehicle originated in Waco, TX, and was destined for Austin, TX.
4 APR 2011: THP Nacogdoches conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Toyota 4-door and arrested one suspect. As the Trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver threw a white plastic sack from the vehicle. The package was located and determined to be 1.07 lbs of cocaine. The suspect was arrested. The vehicle was traveling from Houston, TX, to Shreveport, LA.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE 31 MAR 2011: THP Killeen, with the assistance of DPS-CID, conducted a traffic stop on a 2000 Ford F-150 and arrested two suspects. A consent to search was granted and during the subsequent search after market modifications were observed, along with fresh tool marks. Further searching led to the discovery of false compartments in both the firewall and dashboard and ultimately the seizure of six kilograms of cocaine. The vehicle originated in Laredo, TX, and was destined for Dallas, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE 31 MAR 2011: A Douglas Co, Georgia SO Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Ford F-350, towing a rented U-Haul car dolly with a 1999 Toyota Camry (all with AL plates). A consent to search both vehicles revealed a total of $1,157,270 USD packed in vacuum sealed bundles, concealed in side the gas tank. The currency originated in Atlanta, GA, and was destined for McAllen, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE 2 APRIL 2011: THP Waco conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Freightliner Tractor, pulling a 1999 Utility Box Trailer (both with TX plates), and arrested one suspect. A consent to search revealed 2,361 lbs of marijuana concealed within five wooden crates towards the front of the trailer. The vehicle originated in Laredo, TX, and was destined for Dallas, TX.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE SIMILARITIES COMMODITY: Marijuana VEHICLE: TT/ST CONCEALMENT: Wooden Crates constructed with plywood and insulation glued inside. 2¼’’ Deck Screws. Silicone sealing edges. Dry laundry detergent. HIGHWAY: IH-35
DATE: 02 APR 2011 AGENCY: THP Waco 2,361 lbs of marijuana COVERLOAD: General Merchandise Returns ORIGIN: Laredo, TX DESTINATION: Dallas, TX.
DATE: 07 JAN 2011 AGENCY: USBP – Laredo IH-35 Checkpoint 2,861.4 lbs of marijuana COVERLOAD: Yes, unknown ORIGIN: Unknown DESTINATION: Unknown
DATE: 10 DEC 2010 AGENCY: THP Waco 872 lbs of marijuana* COVERLOAD: None ORIGIN: Laredo, TX DESTINATION: Dallas, TX
DATE: 20 NOV 2010 AGENCY: THP Waco $29,278.00 USD* The money seized in this incident had ties to the 10 DEC 2010 marijuana seizure.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE (Weapon Smuggling Trend) 80 % Receivers 80% Receiver In collaboration with OIOC and ATF No holes for detent pins, trigger assembly, selector switch, etc. An “80% lower” is a partially fabricated metal receiver requiring special tooling to be completed and not considered a firearm by definition, and not required to be sold or transferred through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). A competent gunsmith could purchase this type of receiver and ship it legally due to the receiver being “incomplete,” then complete the tooling 1 to make the firearm fully functional. Receivers such as these have been No serial number or manufacturer marks intercepted southbound from the United States into Mexico, and subsequently encountered on cartel AR-15 weapons seized in Mexico.
Nogales POE outbound operation 2
30% Receiver
3
Weapons seized from cartel members in Mexico. DECEMBER 2010 JULY 2010
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE SSIGNIFICANTIGNIFICANT EEVENTSVENTS ININ MMEXICOEXICO
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Significant events in Mexico CD. JUÁREZ – On 30 MAR 2011, the semi-nude bodies of two men were discovered near the intersection of Salvador Díaz Mirón and Acapulco streets. The faces of the men were covered with adhesive tape and their hands bound. The bodies displayed signs of torture. A sign was left near the bodies with an undisclosed message.
On 30 MAR 2011, armed gunmen killed Jake Marlowe Reyes-Neal, 21, of Aurora, Colorado at his home in Juárez, Mexico. Suspected drug cartel gunman shot him up to eighty times with automatic weapons. According to the Mexican newspaper, 90 shell casings CD. JUÁREZ – On 01 APR 2011, four men and a were found near the scene of the shooting outside ten-year-old boy were shot and killed at a food Reyes-Neal's home in Cd. Juarez. "They beat him in stand located on Ramón Rayón Street near the the house and dragged him outside and shot him.‖ Juárez-Porvenir Highway in Zaragoza. Reyes-Neal's wife and son survived the attack.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Significant events in Mexico (cont)
CD. JUÁREZ – On 31 MAR 2011, nine men and one woman died in a shootout in a busy bar. Witnesses said sixteen armed masked men entered "El Castillo" bar, near the Ysleta Port of Entry which links the city to El Paso, TX, and fired indiscriminately. The bar is located on Ramón Rayón Street close to Waterfill, the subdivision south of Zaragoza. Eleven 7.62x39 mm and fifteen 9mm shell casings were recovered at the scene.
CD. JUÁREZ – On 01 APR 2011, three men and two women were killed when gunmen attacked the ―Las Barritas― bar located at Óscar Flores Avenue and Francisco I. Madero Street in colonia La Presa. Four .223 shell casings were found at the scene. Gunmen set fire to the business using Molotov cocktails. Ten to fifteen others were injured by the resulting fire or suffered from smoke inhalation.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Significant events in Mexico (cont) DTO Related Deaths Juarez MX The number of DTO-related homicides in Cd Juárez and 2008 to Date surrounding communities continues to increase. There have 4000 3111 been 46 DTO-related homicides during this reporting period. 2000 2658 There were 168 killed in March. Thus far, 32 have been killed 1607 0 in April, bringing the total to 649 for the year. Figures as of 2400 649 hours 04/05/2011
2008 2009
TAMAULIPAS – On 06 APR 2011, 59 bodies were found buried in a series of pits in the northern Mexico state of Tamaulipas, near the site where suspected drug gang members massacred 72 migrants last summer. Security forces discovered the site as they were investigating reports that passengers had been pulled off several buses by gunmen in the area in what may have been an attempt at forced recruitment by a drug gang. The Tamaulipas state government said that eleven suspects have been detained. Many of the victims found in the pits appeared to have died between 10 and 15 days ago. The bodies were being examined to determine their identities and the causes of death. The pits were found in the farm hamlet of La Joya in San Fernando. The area is about 80 miles from the border at Brownsville, TX. Authorities blamed that massacre on Los Zetas, which is fighting its one-time allies in the Gulf cartel for control of the region. Mexican drug cartels have taken to recruiting migrants, common criminals and youths and kill those that do not comply. The state authorities said the first three to be identified from the latest grisly discovery were Mexicans, and that two were women. The discovery came as tens of thousands of people marched in simultaneous protests held in cities across Mexico demanding an end to the violence. The marches were prompted by the torture and murder of Juan Francisco Sicilia, the son of a Mexican poet, along with six other people with no links to the cartels.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Significant events in Mexico (cont)
On 02 APR 2011, the Mexican Army announced it had seized a large cache of weapons including; 59 assault rifles, 21 handguns, seven Uzi submachine guns, one- 30 cal. machine gun, 412 packs of Hydrogel industrial explosive, 12 meters of DetCord, one rocket launcher, one rocket, one grenade launcher, three grenades, 660 mm mortar rds, one RPG and several other grenades. Also soldiers seized $59,700 USD. No suspects were taken into custody.
REYNOSA – On 04 APR 2011, Reynosa Shootout Hidalgo POE Officials reported that a shootout started off Rosalinda Guerrero Boulevard. City officials also confirmed a "situation of risk― took place on the Rosalinda Guerrero Boulevard between Puente Gemelos and the HEB supermarket off Morelos Boulevard. One witness reported hearing gunfire while others reported seeing a convoy of a federal police headed to the scene.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Significant events in Mexico (cont) SEDENA Officials said the Mexican army was conducting an aerial patrol in San Fernando when they spotted a convoy of vehicles with armed men. Soldiers approached the area and came under fire. SEDENA Officials report that soldiers overtook the gunmen and freed five alleged kidnapping victims. Soldiers seized a cache of weapons and ammunition and arrested eight armed men and one woman as suspects. There were no reports of injuries or deaths. The seizure included ten rifles, four hand guns, one grenade launcher, two 40mm grenades, one hand grenade, 136 magazines, 3,487 rds of ammunition, 13 vehicles, one motorcycle, and various types of communication equipment.
A news release from SEDENA Officials details the results of a five-day span , from 27 MAR to 2 APR, of gun battles and seizures in the military’s 8th zone, which covers Mexico’s region closest to the Rio Grande Valley. The document describes the type of drugs, weapons and ammo used by criminal organizations. Soldiers seized several items including seventeen caps with the emblem ―CDG‖ and one cap with a ―Z‖ on it. Items seized were as follows: over 37 tons of marijuana, 2.8 tons of cocaine 175 grms of crack cocaine, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, seven power-presses to seal plastic, 113 long guns, 43 handguns, 12,167 cartridges, 391 magazines, two magazine carriers, two gun scopes, three grenade launchers, 77 grenades, one rocket launcher, one rocket, one crossbow, 2 tripods, 36 electric detonators, 12 meters of detonating cord, two starters for detonators used in construction demolitions, US and Mexican currency, totaling nearly $60,000, 70 cars, one motorcycle, one camper trailer, seven cell phones, and four radios.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Significant events in Mexico (cont) Several narco blogs released a video showing a young blond-haired woman decapitating a man whose head and hands are bound with what appears to be duct tape. It is unknown where and when the video was made. During the video you can hear unidentified men advise the woman on how to perform the beheading, as well as their concerns that the event be documented properly on video. As the woman continues severing the victim's head with a machete, you can hear an unidentified man refer to her as "La Guera Loca" (the crazy blond), another man says "This is what happens to those who help the Zetas". After the woman finishes the decapitation and briefly poses with the head as a trophy, others begin to dismember the victim's body and skin the face and skull.
On 04 APR 2011, two San Diego workers were killed at the San Ysidro border crossing as they sat in a pickup waiting to enter the US. The men were shot repeatedly with a 9 mm weapon. The Baja California Attorney General’s Office identified the victims as Kevin Joel Romero, 28, and Sergio Sergio Salcido Luna Salcido Luna, 25. Both men were USCs who lived in Tijuana and worked for West Coast Beverage Maintenance. A Mexican law enforcement source said the two men apparently were targeted by an assailant who approached on foot between the lines of vehicles, fired his weapon and fled. Detectives were investigating the possibility that the incident could be drug-related. One of the victims had a ―small packet of drugs among his belongings.‖ A US law enforcement source said that it appeared that neither had criminal records. Salcido Luna, was a mixed martial arts fighter who was training for a fight in JUN. Shootings in the border crossing lanes are extremely rare. In JAN 2002, a Mexican soldier sprayed bullets into cars waiting in line on the Mexican side of the Otay Mesa border crossing, wounding three people. In APR 1995, a stray bullet from a police shootout hit an innocent Mexican motorist in the head as he was waiting in line to cross into the United States, killing him instantly.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Significant events in Mexico (cont) VERACRUZ — Mexican federal police have arrested another suspect in the attack that killed one US Immigration Agent and wounded another on a highway in central Mexico nearly two months ago. Federal police stated that, Jose Manuel Garcia Soto, alias "El Safado," or "The Crazy One," had confessed to participating in the 15 FEB killing of Jaime Zapata and wounding of Victor Avila. Both men were agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Garcia Soto, 30, was arrested 2 APRIL 2011 in the northern state of San Luis Potosi, where the attack took place, federal police said. Officers investigating the attack on the ICE Agents followed information that led them to a house where Garcia Soto, an alleged member of the Zetas, was holding a kidnap victim. They then raided another house where five alleged associates were holding three other kidnap victims. Police seized a grenade and six assault rifles in the raids. According to federal police, Garcia Soto said he participated in the attack on the ICE agents under the orders of Julian Zapata Espinoza — known by the nickname "El Piolin," or Tweety Bird — who was arrested on 23 FEB 2011. Federal police said Garcia Soto oversaw drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and robbery operations and was involved in the killing of members of rival gangs. No formal charges have been filed against him or the other suspects. Agent Zapata was killed after gunmen stopped his SUV on a highway in San Luis Potosi. One of the suspects who allegedly took part in the shooting said gunmen mistook the agents' SUV for a vehicle used by a rival gang. San Luis Potosi borders two northern states where the Zetas and the Gulf cartel have waged bloody turf wars. Agents Zapata and Avila were temporarily detailed to the ICE Attaché office in Mexico City and were driving from the northern city of Monterrey to the capital when they were attacked.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE OPERATION BORDER STAR UPDATES & ASSESSMENT
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE OBS Weekly Assessment Marijuana seizures decreased slightly from 36,824.7 lbs last week to 35,484.17 lbs this week. In the Coastal Bend Sector, DPS/CID Corpus Christi assisted by Kingsville Task Force, ICE and Texas Parks and Wildlife seized 1,248 lbs of marijuana that was concealed inside modified compartment areas of the floor of a 1988 Kenner boat originating in Port Mansfield and destined for Riviera, TX. Since SEPT 2010, the BOSA has reported on five other incidences of towed boats smuggling contraband in several sectors. Four of the boats were transporting between 450 and 1,000 lbs of marijuana and one transported $25,983 USD. Most occurred in areas with lakes or rivers where it would be typical to see boats towed on trailers. The total estimated street value for reported marijuana seizures during this reporting period is $31.2 million. Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View Marijuana (lbs) Long-Term Trendline Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average 70,000 45,000 60,000 40,569.39 40,000 36,824.70 50,000 35,484.17 35,000 40,000 30,000 29,056.75 30,000 25,000 20,000 20,000 10,000 15,000 10,000 0
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CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE OBS Weekly Assessment (cont) Cocaine seizures significantly decreased from last week’s total, from 304.12 lbs last week to 76.68 lbs this week. On 31 MAR 2011, USBP Agents at the IH-35 Checkpoint near Laredo, TX, seized 7.9 lbs of cocaine concealed within the dash of a blue 1992 Ford F-150. On 02 APR 2011, CBP/OFO Officers seized 5.54 lbs of cocaine at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge Laredo, TX abandoned within a trash can, aboard a commercial bus (Omnibus Mexicans). The total estimated street value for reported cocaine seizures totaled $2.5 million.
Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View
Cocaine (lbs) Long-Term Trendline Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average 500 2,000 442.55 1,800 450 1,600 400 1,400 350 1,200 300 1,000 250 304.12 800 600 200 400 150 112.26 200 100 76.68
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Heroin and methamphetamine seizures for this week’s reporting period total 24.76 lbs and 9.96 lbs, respectively. On 31 MAR 2011, CBP/OFO Officers seized 8.95 lbs of methamphetamine at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge, in Laredo, TX, concealed within an EXIDE battery in 2003 Ford Ranger. (continued on next slide)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE OBS Weekly Assessment (cont) Since DEC 2009, the car battery concealment method for has been observed in seven incidences. Six of the seven incidents occurred in the Laredo Sector. Date/Time Location Seizure 12/16/2009 @2115 hrs US-83 Checkpoint 27 lbs METH
12/19/2009 @1853 hrs Gateway to the Americas Bridge 2.23 kg. METH
12/18/2009 @ 1030 hrs Lincoln Juarez Bridge 5.16 kg Cocaine
06/10/2010 @ 1330 hrs Lincoln Juarez Bridge 7 kg Cocaine
08/30/2010 @1330 hrs Lincoln Juarez 7 kg Cocaine Bridge 09/09/10 Hopkins Co 8.8 lbs Crystal Meth
02/11/2011 (reported on) US-90 in Brackettville (Del Rio Sector) 33 lbs Cocaine
CBP Officers from the Brownsville Veterans Bridge seized 12.63 lbs of heroin concealed in the radiator of the a 1999 GMC Suburban. The BOSA has reported on two similar seizures. Brownsville PD conducted a traffic stop on a green Chevrolet pickup on IH-77N resulting in the seizure of 13.1 lbs of cocaine inside a compartment at the center of the radiator. On 10 DEC 2010, the BOSA reported a seizure in Wharton Co in the Coastal Bend Sector involving $72,961 USD concealed in the bottom portion of the radiator of a 1992 Chevrolet pickup on US-59.
This week’s seizure 10 DEC 2010 (Currency) 11 MAR 2011 (cocaine) CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE OBS Weekly Assessment (cont) Narcotics Concealed in Furniture On 5 APR 2011, CBP/OFO Officers in the Laredo Sector seized 2,341.3 lbs of marijuana concealed within wooden ottomans discovered inside the trailer of a white 2000 International tractor/trailer, at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, TX. A similar seizure occurred at the World Trade Bridge in JAN 2011, where CBP/OFO Officers seized 2,832.94 lbs of marijuana and 87.78 lbs of cocaine concealed within wooden dressers. OTTOMANS
Reported 07 JAN 2011
This week’s seizures
On 31 MAR 2011, CBP/OFO Officers at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge, in Laredo, TX, seized 12.15 lbs of Black Tar Heroin concealed within two wooden chairs and a wooden hamper on a Commercial passenger bus. In the past, furniture has been used to conceal marijuana loads.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE OBS Weekly Assessment (cont) Narcotics Concealed in Furniture (cont) Contraband concealed in furniture has also occurred in the El Paso and RGV Sectors. Reported in the 17 DEC 2010 BOSA, CBP-OFO Officers at the Ysleta POE in the El Paso Sector seized 57.18 lbs of marijuana concealed within arm chairs. Reported in the 24 NOV 2010 BOSA, in the RGV Sector at the Brownsville POE, approximately 2.6 kg of methamphetamine was hidden inside the wood frame of a hammock. 17 DEC 2010 BOSA
24 NOV 2010 BOSA
Officer Safety: In the RGV Sector, a subject successfully deployed several spikes in an effort to evade officers. When the subjects truck reached the riverbank, the driver and passenger bailed out and swam to Mexico. Two of the tires on the Border Patrol vehicle were flattened. This is a common tactic employed by DTO members in the RGV Sector to disable law enforcement vehicles attempting to apprehend them as they try to splash down into Rio Grande in an effort to escape back into Mexico with their loads.
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE OBS Weekly Assessment (cont) Bulk currency seizures decreased from $609,322 USD last week to $144,577 USD this week. THP-Brooks Co seized $27,750 USD concealed inside the roof of a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT that was traveling from Houston to Alto Bonito, TX, on FM-755. In the RGV Sector, Mission PD Officers executed a search warrant on a private residence resulting in the discovery of three assault rifles, ammo, various types of high frequency radios, 10 cell phones and $105,279 USD, and three vehicles.
Currency Seizures ($) Long-Term View Currency Seizures ($) Short-Term View
Currency Seizures (USD) Long-Term Trendline Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average
$8,000,000 900,000.00 $7,000,000 800,000.00 $6,000,000 700,000.00 609,322.00 $5,000,000 600,000.00 $4,000,000 500,000.00 $3,000,000 400,000.00 505,265.00 $2,000,000 300,000.00 $1,000,000 200,000.00 120,007.00 $0 100,000.00 144,577.00 0.00 18-Mar-11 25-Mar-11 1-Apr-11 8-Apr-11
The street value of all contraband seized this week represents a loss to Mexican DTOs and the criminal networks that support them of approximately $36.1 million. Illegal alien apprehensions decreased from last week from 3,005 to 2,897. However the number of OTM apprehensions increased as it has for the past couple months from 717 last week to 763 this week. The largest amount of OTMs continue to be from Honduras followed by Guatemala and El Salvador. In the El Paso, there was one ASIC apprehension of a Pakistani National. CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE If any comments or questions arise from this product, please contact: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER
[email protected] Duty Phone: 512-424-7351; 7034 Fax: 512-424-7041
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CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE