136484_20111007 BOSA

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATIONThis document was created by Texas Department of Public Safety’s Border Security Operations Center in conjunctionwith federal, state, and local Unified Command partners as part of ongoing border security efforts and should besafeguarded and protected in accordance with the requirements of the above classification. The above classificationincludes this document and any accompanying attachments and/or e-mails.

Reporting Period: 28 SEPT – 04 OCT 2011


Key Events and Findings

• The largest single marijuana seizure occurred in the Rio Grande Valley Sector where Starr County SO

seized 5,571 lbs of marijuana while executing a search warrant at a residence in Rio Grande City, TX.

(p. 72)

• The largest single methamphetamine seizure occurred in the Laredo Sector. CBP/ OFO Officers at the

Lincoln Juarez Bridge in Laredo, TX seized 48.5 lbs of crystal methamphetamine concealed within non-

factory metal boxes behind the rear seat of a 2007 white Nissan Altima. (p. 51)

• The largest single cocaine seizure occurred in the Rio Grande Valley Sector where Cameron County

SO SIU Deputy seized 65.04 lbs of cocaine from a vehicle as a result of a traffic stop on US-83 and

Stuart Place Rd. in Cameron Co. (p. 72)

• In the Rio Grande Valley Sector several seizures were made 30 SEP – 2 OCT 2011 totally nearly 5,00

lbs. The most unique occurred when USBP Agents found 609 lbs of the marijuana on a ranch near Rio

Grande City in addition to 80 ammo magazines, some loaded with .223 cal. ammo along with several

tactical vests. (p. 66)

• On 18 SEP 2011, CBP-OFO Officers at Eagle Pass POE Bridge #1 seized 10,000 rds of 7.62x39 mm

ammo concealed in an after-market panel in the floor of a 1995 Ford Windstar. (p. 33)

• On 30 SEP 2011, two USCs were among four people killed in Cd. Juárez, MX when gunmen attacked a

2004 Dodge Durango which displayed TX registration BK5H407. On 03 OCT 2011, a third USC was

killed while driving a sedan in the Jardines del Bosque area in Cd. Juárez. (p. 95)

• On 04 OCT 2011, Mexican police captured Martin Rosales Magana, one of the last major leaders of the

La Familia cartel (LFM), a pseudo-religious drug gang that has been seriously impacted by arrests and

killings. (p. 97)


287

287

27

Dallam Lipscomb

Hemphill

Potter Gray

Parmer

Cochran

Yoakum

Hall

Hale Motley

LubbockDickens

Andrews

King

Terry

ShermanHansford Ochiltree

Hutchinson

Wheeler

Randall Armstrong Donley

CastroBriscoe

Childress

Cottle

Hardeman

Foard

Hartley Roberts

OldhamCarson

Deaf SmithCollingsworth

Bailey

Swisher

Lamb Floyd

HockleyCrosby

Gaines

Knox

Lynn GarzaKent Stonewall

Jeff Davis

Reeves

Loving Winkler

Ward

Ector

Dawson

Martin

Zavala

UvaldeKinney

Edwards

Brewster

La Salle

Dimmit

Starr

Bowie

CassCam

p

Titus

Fra

nklin

Mo

rris

Rains Marion

KaufmanHarrison

PanolaGregg

Rusk

Bell

WilliamsonMilam

Sabine

Trinity

UpshurWood

Van Zandt

NavarroHill

Cherokee

Freestone

McLennan

Falls

Shelby

Nacogdoches

San

Augustine

Jasper

Jefferson

Tyler

Walker

Polk

Robertson

Madison

Brazos

Hardin

San Jacinto

Grimes

Liberty

Chambers

Montgomery

Burleson

Lee

Ellis

Goliad

BeeLive Oak

Duval

Jim Hogg

Henderson

Anderson

Leon

Limestone

Travis

Hays

Comal

Houston

Angelina

Newton

Orange

Cooke Grayson Fannin

CollinDentonHunt

Lamar

Delta

Hopkins

Dallas

Red River

Rockwall

Nolan

Baylor

Jones Shackelford Stephens

Archer

Young

Taylor

Haskell Throckmorton

Callahan

Howard

Borden Parker

Erath

Palo Pinto

Montague

Clay

Wichita

Wilbarger

WiseJack

Upton

BrownColeman

RunnelsCoke

SterlingGlasscock

Midland

Crane

Menard

McCulloch

Concho

Sutton

Schleicher

Tom Green

Crockett

Pecos

Irion

Reagan

Comanche

Hood

Bosque

Somervell

Hamilton

Kimble

Mason

Mills

San Saba

Blanco

Burnet

Lampasas

Johnson

Gillespie

Terrell

Llano

Coryell

Tarrant

Washington

Fayette

Lavaca

Colorado

Austin

Fort Bend

Brazoria

HarrisBastrop

Matagorda

Kerr

Real

Bexar

Wilson

Karnes

Caldwell

Gonzales

DeWitt

Waller

Kendall

Atascosa

Frio

Medina

Bandera

Galveston

Fisher

Scurry

Mitchell

Culberson

Webb

Jeff Davis

Val VerdePresidio

Moore

Dona Ana

Luna

Grant

Hidalgo

Eastland

Guadalupe

Jim Wells

Willacy

Kenedy

Cameron

Wharton

Jackson

Victoria

Refugio

San Patricio

Nueces

Kleberg

Brooks

Hudspeth

Otero

HudspethEl Paso

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

El Paso Sector

p. 05-22

Marfa Sector

p. 23 – 29

Del Rio Sector

p. 30 – 44

Laredo Sector

p. 45 – 55Rio Grande

Valley Sector

p. 56 – 75

Coastal Bend

Sector

p. 77 – 84

Statewide Corridor Seizures

p. 85 – 87

Overall Assessment

p. 102 – 109

Sig. Mexico Events

p. 88 – 101


Operation BORDER STAR 28 SEPT – 04 OCT 2011



EL PASO H U D S P E T H


UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS

Anthony PD

El Paso PD

Horizon City PD

Ysleta Del Sur Tribal PD

El Paso ISD PD

University of Texas El Paso PD

El Paso Community College PD

El Paso Office of Emergency

Management

Texas Tech University PD

Texas Comptroller of Public

Accounts

Texas Attorney General, El Paso

Union Pacific Railroad PD

Texas Alcoholic Beverage

Commission

El Paso County Constables

USBP CBP – OFOICE West TX HIDTAEPICTMFDPS TPWDATFFBIUSMSUS Army, Ft. Bliss CIDEl Paso CO SOHudspeth CO SODona Ana CO SO (NM)Grant CO SO (NM)Hidalgo CO SO (NM)Luna CO SO (NM)Otero CO SO (NM)

Full Map/Table of Contents

N E W M E X I C O


El Paso SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds --

Bailouts --

Criminal Arrests 66

Fugitive Arrests 41

Gang Related Criminal Arrests 5

Pursuits 1

Scouts/Decoys --

Illegal Alien Apprehensions

IAs/Referrals --

IAs/USBP 204

OTMs 18

OTM Countries

Guatemala 5

El Salvador 2

Honduras 5

Nicaragua 1

Indonesia 1

Vietnam 1

Sri Lanka 1

Colombia 1

Egypt 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 1,027.58 lbs

Cocaine 24.8 lbs

Heroin --

Methamphetamine --

Currency --

Other

Heroin, 0.007 ounce,

Propoxyphene, 6 pills,

Lorazapam, 42 pills,

Trazadone, 42 pills,

Morphine, 14 pills,

Ecstasy, 11 pills

Weapons

Handgun(s) 1

Long Gun(s) --

Explosive(s) --

Vehicles Stolen / Recovered

Stolen 11

Recovered 1


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

$179,440

$0

$13,206

$0$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

$160,000

$180,000

$200,000

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Currency Seizures

1,325.52

1,903.80

2,419.41

1,027.58

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Marijuana Seizures

0.60

92.97

13.11

24.80

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

El Paso UC Cocaine Seizures

124141

168

204

0

50

100

150

200

250

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

El Paso UC Illegal Aliens


Six gang-related incidents were reported during this period involving six arrests of members from

five different gangs. There were five criminal arrests and one fugitive arrest. The incidents involved:

Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Evading Arrest, and Violation of a

Protective Order.

Barrio Azteca Varrio Logan Heights 30/30 True One Kings Lower Valley Hoodlems

Gang activity for the week of 29 SEPT 2011 thru 05 OCT 2011

Due to the increase in BANDIDOS visibility in the El Paso area, the El Paso JOIC

would like to highlight significant arrests outside our jurisdiction.

On 26 & 27 SEP 2011, Federal Agents and local authorities conducted a large level

sweep on the BANDIDOS MC. Approximately 40 BANDIDOS members and

associates were arrested on federal drug and weapons charges. The arrests mostly

took place in the Dallas area, but there were also arrests in San Antonio, TX, San

Francisco, CA, and Denver, CO. The Federal Bureau of Investigation stated that

they infiltrated the North Texas BANDIDOS in 2009 in order to gather information

and evidence. Subjects were arrested on a variety of distribution of

methamphetamine and cocaine charges. One subject was arrested for possession

of a machine gun.

ANALYST NOTE: U/LES: The Sante Fe, NM, PD, received reliable information in

light of these arrests that a meeting in Albuquerque was to be held over the

weekend of 1&2 OCT 2011. On 30 SEPT 2011, the end to a fourteen year peace

treaty between the BANDIDOS and HELLS ANGELS was reported on the website

bikernews.net. Additionally, an upcoming BANDIDO Birthday gathering is

expected in El Paso on 09 OCT 2011. (New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Bulletin)


CBP-OFO Officers seized:

01 OCT 2011 –

YSLETA POE

107.94 lbs of marijuana

1997 Mercury Villager

Concealment: Roof

LAST WEEK’S BOSA:

23 SEP 2011 – BRIDGE OF AMERICAS POE


1995 Chevrolet C-20; Concealment: Roof



30 SEPT 2011 –

CBP-OFO YSLETA POE

0.136 lbs of cocaine

Concealment:

Body – Groin area

22 SEPT 2011 –

CBP-OFO and USBP

@ IH-25 CHECKPOINT

Las Cruces, NM

10.8 lbs of cocaine

2009 Volkswagen Jetta

Concealment:

Beneath Clothing – Thighs

28 SEPT 2011 –

CBP-OFO PASO DEL

NORTE POE

10.14 lbs of cocaine

2010 Nissan Sentra

Concealment:

Beneath Clothing – Thighs


CB

P-O

FO

se

ize

d

TIR

E C

ON

CE

AL

ME

NT

26 SEPT 2011 –

BRIDGE OF THE AMERICAS POE


1993 Honda Civic

Concealment: Tires

28 SEPT 2011 –

PASO DEL NORTE POE


1999 Dodge Ram

Concealment: Spare Tire

03 OCT 2011 – COLUMBUS, NM, POE


1998 Ford Explorer

Concealment: Spare Tire and Gas Tank (metal containers)



28 SEPT 2011

13.8 lbs of cocaine

1997 Mercury Grand Marquis

Concealment: Non-factory

compartment behind the rear

seat backrest

29 SEPT 2011


2000 Ford Windstar

Concealment: Dashboard and

firewall




27 SEPT 2011


1998 Ford Escort

Concealment: Non-factory

compartment above the fuel tank

and behind the firewall

28 SEPT 2011


2003 Toyota Sienna

Concealment: Dashboard




28 SEPT 2011

Two 40mm riot grenades, one Barrett .50 cal magazine,

Two .308 magazines, and one Barrett .50 cal cleaning kit

2005 Toyota Scion

Concealment: Rear Seat Backrest

JOIC NOTE: 40mm hard sponge

“less than lethal” rounds are

designed to incapacitate

subjects, fired from close

distances, possibly indicating a

cartel intent for capture/kidnap

operations by specialized

enforcer cells.

The cleaning kit for the .50

caliber indicates sustained use of

the .50 Barrett platform and

denotes disciplined preventative

maintenance over sustained use.

.308 magazine

and 40mm

grenades

BARRETT .50

cal cleaning kit Seized items in one photo

Top view of Barrett .50 cal

magazine and grenades


ST

OC

K P

HO

TO


02 OCT 2011


2003 Chevrolet Envoy

Concealment: Spare tire,

roof, driver seat, passenger

seat, and rear driver side

quarter panel

03 OCT 2011


2001 Ford Taurus

Concealment: Front Bumper



25 SEPT 2011


1998 Lincoln Town Car

Concealment: Dashboard

On 22 SEP 2011, El Paso PD Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF) Officers were called to the

Bridge of the Americas (BOTA ) POE in reference to a recovered stolen vehicle. The ATTF

Officers met with a recovery agent who recovered a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer in Juarez

and brought it back to the US. The officers processed the vehicle and released it to the

recovery agent.


Fictitious Inspection and Registration StickersOn 01 OCT 2011, an El Paso DPS THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop and

observed the vehicle inspection sticker to be fictitious. The Trooper noted the

following discrepancies; The signature of the DPS Director was listed as

Thomas Davis instead of Steven McCraw, and wording on the back of the

sticker read “NAME OF INSPECTION MAKING INSPECTION,” whereas it

should have read “NAME OF INSPECTOR MAKING INSPECTION.” The

driver stated that the inspection sticker was purchased at an establishment in

central El Paso. Investigation continues by the DPS Regulatory Service.


Incorrect wording. Should read:

“NAME OF INSPECTOR

MAKING INSPECTION.”

On 04 OCT 2011, a THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop and observed the vehicle inspection sticker to

be fictitious along with a fictitious registration sticker. The sticker appeared to be a duplication of the one

discovered 01 OCT 2011. The VIN on the registration sticker was correct, but the TXLP was incorrect.

1. The number “E11689087” was

displayed on the inspection stickers

in each incident.

2. Thomas Davis is not the director of

DPS therefore, his signature should

not be on the sticker.

3. The bar code is imperfect and

cannot be scanned . Any vehicle which undergoes emission testing should

have “OBD” on the sticker.

The top left numbers/letters should

be the license plates displayed on

the vehicle.

The bottom right numbers should

match the last 8 numbers of the

VIN displayed on the vehicle.

ANALYST NOTE: This are two

instances in three days in which

fictitious inspection/registration

stickers were encountered in the El

Paso Sector. Registration stickers

from both incidents had “Thomas

Davis” and not “Steven McCraw” as

the director.


On 30 SEP 2011, an El Paso DPS THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a cloned Ford F-250

pickup on FM-1281 near Horizon, TX. The pickup had a valid Texas 30-day temporary registration.

The Trooper noticed that the Ford emblem on the VIN plate appeared to have been stamped

instead of etched, and also observed that the emblem appeared slightly deeper on some parts than

on others, leading the Trooper to suspect the VIN plate was fictitious. The Vehicle Certification

Label, aka Nader sticker, also appeared to be fictitious. The Trooper identified the vehicle through

secondary means and found that the VIN number displayed on the truck had been copied from a

similar truck, which was currently registered in California. This method is known as “VIN switch

stolen”. The Trooper discovered that the true VIN had been reported stolen in Texas in 2008. The

Trooper discovered that the confidential VIN (CVIN), which are true VINs stamped in obscure

places along the vehicle, had been ground off and re-stamped to match the cloned VIN number.

Additionally, the Trooper found that the false VIN was etched on every window in an attempt to

make the truck appear legitimate.

Additional Information (cont)


Additional Information

On 30 SEP 2011, El Paso PD Officers were called to Romeos

Nite Club located at 9101 Gateway West in El Paso regarding

graffiti which had been spray painted on the front and side of

the building. The officers met with the manager who stated

that he was informed of the graffiti by workers who were

doing interior remodling. The manager stated that until the

previous Saturday, the business had been closed for

renovations for the past four months.

The words "LA LINEA PUTOS" was spray painted in black letters on the west side of the building. The

words, "Pay what you owe m*****f****** LA LINEA" was spray painted in the front of the building on the

right side of the entrance and "PAGEN LO QUE DEBE CULOS ATT. LA LINEA" was spray painted on the

left side of the entrance. Investigation revealed no DTO connections at this time. Other information

suggests that the graffiti may have been a hoax by individuals who were barred from the club the previous

Saturday.CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

ANALYST NOTE: Other bars in

the El Paso area have experience

similar hoax messages. The letter

below was received by another

bar in El Paso.


On 27 SEP 2011, El Paso DPS CID Agents recovered 27 stolen vehicles from Mexico.

The property value of the recovered vehicles was set at $468,650 USD.

BORDER AUTO THEFT INFORMATION CENTER

For the week ending on 01 OCT 2011, the Border Auto Theft Information

Center (BATIC) received 3,838 inquiries/callers requesting information on suspicious

vehicles. The BATIC Specialists responded affirmatively to 50 of these calls with stolen

vehicle information being forwarded to the requesting officers. For the week, nine

vehicles were returned to the U.S. with a property value calculated at $64,730 USD.

El Paso Unified Command Sector Assessment

In comparison to last week, the El Paso Sector experienced a decrease in the seizure of marijuana,

heroin, and currency, and an increase in the seizure of cocaine. There were no reported seizures of

methamphetamine during this reporting period. There was a decrease in the number of reported

stolen vehicles (11 compared to last week’s 26), and the recovery of one stolen vehicle, as reported

by El Paso PD and/or El Paso Co SO.

Of the total 988 lbs of marijuana seized at the POEs, 428 lbs was seized at the Bridge of the

Americas POE (BOTA), 157 lbs at the Ysleta POE, 196 lbs at the Paso Del Norte POE (PDN), and

205 lbs within the Lordsburg area. There were no reported seizures at the Fabens POE or Santa

Teresa POE. There were 14 reported marijuana seizures across the POEs, and 2 cocaine seizures:

Ysleta POE (13.31 lbs) and Paso Del Norte POE (10.8 lbs).


The predominant concealment methods for marijuana during this reporting period were: seats (5),

fuel tanks (4), dashboards (3), body carry (3), tires (2), quarter panels (2), roofs (2) and bumper (1).

The El Paso PD reported ten marijuana seizures totaling 39 lbs and six cocaine seizures totaling

0.357 kilos. The El Paso SO and Anthony PD reported no marijuana or cocaine seizures. Horizon

PD reported one marijuana seizure totaling 0.06 lbs.

During this reporting period, 204 IAs were apprehended. IA apprehensions increased by 36 from

the previous week’s 168. Total reported IA apprehensions within the El Paso Sector from 5 JAN

through 04 OCT were 8,281 with 577 being OTM (Other Than Mexican) and one ASIC (Aliens from

Special Interest Countries) from Egypt.


From 08/31 – 09/06 (26 OTM Apprehensions)





Leading IA OTM’s from 5 Jan to date:

Guatemala 154

Honduras 102

El Salvador 96

Brazil 54

India 29GUATE, 21

ELSAL, 17

COSTA, 2

HONDU, 12

ECUAD, 2

ROMAN, 1

SUDAN, 1

PERU, 1

GHANA, 1

ISRAE, 1

JAMAI, 1

ETHIO, 1

PHIL, 1

CHINA, 1

VIETN, 2

EGYPT, 1

COLOM, 1

INDON, 1

NICAR, 1

SIRLA, 1

GUATEELSALCOSTAHONDUECUADROMANSUDANPERUGHANAISRAEJAMAIETHIOPHILCHINAVIETNEGYPTCOLOMINDONNICARSIRLA

OTM Apprehensions 31 AUG through 04 0CT


City-wide index crime continues to show a decreased

rate of 7% as compared to the same timeframe last year.

There is a 650% increase (13) in murders, a 32%

increase (45) in sexual assaults, a 5% decrease (19) in

robberies, a 4% decrease (391) in assaults, a 6%

decrease (89) in burglary, a 10% decrease (1,054) in

larceny, a 12% decrease (136) in vehicle theft, and a 2%

decrease (36) in vehicle burglary.

Population of El Paso: 649,121 (2010 Census)

Population El Paso City and County: 700,000

Population figures do not reflect the individuals fleeing Cd.

Juarez to El Paso due to the on going DTO Violence

Citywide (YTD through Oct 1st, 2011)

Offense 2010 2011 % Change

Murder 2 15 650%

Sexual Aslt 139 184 32%

Robbery 359 340 -5%

Aslt 8,864 8,473 -4%

Burglary 1,461 1,375 -6%

Larceny 10,723 9,669 -10%

Veh Theft 1,169 1,033 -12%

*Burg Vehicle 1,935 1,899 -2%

Total: 22,717 21,089 -7%

*** Crime Rate: 3,524 3,271 -7%

Murder, 2

Sexual Aslt, 139

Robbery, 359

Aslt, 8,864

Burglary, 1,461

Larceny , 10,723

Veh Theft, 1,169

*Burg Vehicle , 1,935

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City Wide for week ending 1 OCT 2010

Murder, 15Sexual Aslt,

184

Robbery, 340

Aslt, 8,473

Burglary, 1,375

Larceny , 9,669

Veh Theft, 1,033

*Burg Vehicle , 1,899

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City Wide for week ending 1 OCT 2011



H U D S P E T H

P E C O S

T E R R E L L

C U L B E R S O N

J E F F D A V I S

B R E W S T E R

UNIFIED COMMAND

MEMBERS

Hudspeth CO SO Jeff Davis CO SO Pecos CO SO Presidio CO SO Reeves CO SO Terrell CO SO Alpine PD Fort Stockton PDPecos PD Presidio PD

USBP CBP - OFO ICE /HSINPSWest TX HIDTATMFTPWDDPSBrewster CO SO Culberson CO SO

P R E S I D I O

Full Map/Table of ContentsCONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


Marfa SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds --

Bailouts --

Criminal Arrests 51

Fugitive Arrests --

Gang Related Criminal Arrests --

Pursuits --

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 1

IAs/USBP 53

OTMs 7

OTM Countries

Honduras 2

Guatemalan 1

El Salvador 1

Nicaraguan 1

Colombia 1

Belize 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 221.58 lbs

Cocaine --

Heroin 0.005 lbs

Methamphetamine 0.02 lbs

Currency --

Other

Hashish 0.225 lbs,

Hydrocodone 32 pills,

Xanax 6 pills,

Prometh 6 lbs

Weapons

Handgun(s) 2

Long Gun(s) --

Explosive(s) --


Stolen --

Recovered --

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSATIVE


Marfa SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$2,100

$0$223

$0$0

$500

$1,000

$1,500

$2,000

$2,500

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Marfa UC Currency Seizures

1,779.64

454.71

1,774.25

221.58

0.00

200.00

400.00

600.00

800.00

1,000.00

1,200.00

1,400.00

1,600.00

1,800.00

2,000.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ized

Marfa UC Marijuana Seizures

0.01

0.00

0.01

0.000.00

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Marfa UC Cocaine Seizures

26

36

57

53

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Marfa UC Illegal Aliens


N

Culberson

County

Van Horn USBP Agents seized 103.61 lbs of marijuana

abandoned near the Dee Wilson Draw / 220 Rd. The marijuana

was released to DEA.

Additional information



Marfa USBP Agents seized 89.7 lbs of marijuana abandoned near the Brite Ranch in

Presidio Co, 31 miles west of Marfa, TX. The marijuana was released to DEA.

Brite Ranch

N



On 02 OCT 2011, Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 17.85 lbs of marijuana and apprehended

one USC on a commercial bus at the IH-10 Checkpoint. The subject and marijuana were referred to

Hudspeth Co SO for state prosecution.

On 04 OCT 2011, Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 2.64 lbs of marijuana, 6 lbs of

promethazine, and apprehended one USC on a commercial bus at the IH-10 Checkpoint. The

subject and narcotics were referred to Hudspeth Co SO for state prosecution.

On 28 SEPT 2011, Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 0.005 lbs of heroin and

apprehended one USC at the IH-10 Checkpoint on board a commercial bus. The

subject and narcotics were referred to Hudspeth Co SO for state prosecution.

On 01 OCT 2011, Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 2.38 lbs of marijuana and apprehended one

USC at the IH-10 Checkpoint. The subject and marijuana were referred to Hudspeth Co SO for

state prosecution.

On 02 OCT 2011, Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 2.09 lbs of marijuana, 2 pills of ecstasy,

and apprehended one USC on a commercial bus at the IH-10 Checkpoint. The subject and

marijuana were referred to Hudspeth Co SO for state prosecution.

ANALYST NOTE: Since JAN 2010, there has been an increase in smuggling of

promethazine with codeine cough syrup in the Marfa Sector. However, over the last

couple of months, there has been a significant decrease in seizures. The majority of

bottles seized departed from California en route to Houston, TX. The drug is often

carried in the original bottle with prescription labels removed. Occasionally, the drug is

transferred into a different container in an attempt to make it harder to detect.

Common containers include ice tea bottles, fruit drinks, and fruit juices. (BSOC Report

on “Promethazine and Codeine Cough Syrup Drug Trafficking” dated 21 DEC 2010)


Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment

Total marijuana seized this week decreased by 268% compared to last week. This large decrease

continues the erratic weekly pattern for seizure amounts that has been consistently noted

throughout the year.

IA apprehensions decreased this week to 53 compared to last week’s 57.

Criminal arrests continued a three-week decline with 51 arrests compared to last week’s 56.

The Checkpoint on IH-10 remained very active this week with several smaller seizures of

marijuana. A pattern has emerged involving individuals smuggling approximately 2-lbs loads of

marijuana on commercial buses. Indications from New Mexico, IH-10 Checkpoint, and the eastern

coast indicate that small, one to four-kilogram loads are being smuggled aboard commercial buses.

The cash proceeds from these smuggling loads then returns from the opposite direction utilizing the

same commercial buses. Large cash seizures have also occurred on AMTRAK trains moving

through New Mexico from east to west. The use of commercial buses to smuggle high grade

marijuana along the eastern seaboard are also being reported.

The sector recorded a rare seizure of heroin from a subject aboard a commercial bus. Backpacking

continues to be the primary means of transporting marijuana loads northward picked up along

highways in border counties. The two major seizures this week were abandoned from backpacker

loads moving through the area. Typically, when backpackers observe law enforcement activity, they

drop their loads to avoid being arrested for narcotics possession. If time permits, the backpackers

will camouflage the loads for retrieval at a later date, then move away from the contraband. If they

are arrested, it will likely only be for an immigration violation. They are then free to attempt crossing

at a later date and retrieve the stashed narcotics.


V A L V E R D E

U V A L D E

R E A L

M A V E R I C K

K I N N E Y

D I M M I T

E D W A R D S

Z A V A L A



Dimmit Co SOKinney Co SOMaverick CO SOReal CO SOVal Verde CO SOUvalde CO SOZavala CO SODel Rio PD38th Judicial District (Volunteer)Dimmit Co Constable (Volunteer) PCT 2Dimmit Co Constable (Volunteer) PCT 3Uvalde PD (Volunteer)Zavala Co Constable (Volunteer)Uvalde PD (Volunteer)

USBPCBP-OFO CBP-ICESouth TX HIDTANPSDEAUSCGUSMSTPWDTMFIBWCDPSDimmit CO SOKinney CO SO



Del Rio SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 3

Bailouts 4

Criminal Arrests 13

Fugitive Arrests 29

Gang Related Criminal Arrests --

Pursuits 2

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 6

IAs/USBP 329

OTMs 143

OTM Countries

Honduras 66

El Salvador 40

Guatemala 25

Nicaragua 4

Bolivia 1

Costa Rica 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 0.036 lbs

Heroin --


Currency $11,329

Other --

Weapons

Handgun(s) 1

Long Gun(s) --

Ammunition 10,042 rounds

Magazines 3


Stolen --

Recovered 6


Del Rio Sector

The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$0 $0 $0

$11,329

$0

$2,000

$4,000

$6,000

$8,000

$10,000

$12,000

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Del Rio UC Currency Seizures

549.59

170.53

671.17

2,447.35

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Del Rio UC Marijuana Seizures

101.40

15.03 0.05 0.040.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Del Rio UC Cocaine Seizures

312

273

268

329

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Del Rio UC Illegal Aliens


On 18 SEP 2011, CBP-OFO Officers working Operation OUTBOUND at Eagle Pass POE Bridge

#1, referred a blue 1995 Ford Windstar van to secondary based on multiple criminal indicators,

including density anomalies. After a thorough search, 10,000 rds of 7.62x39 ammo were found

concealed in an after-market panel in the floor of the vehicle. The ammo was seized and the

driver was arrested; the subject, ammo, and vehicle were turned over to ICE.

Trap door observed in floor board

under back seat area

Trap door opened revealing ammo inside

Southbound Operations



On 30 SEP 2011, a Maverick Co SO Deputy working with the CBP-OFO AT-CET team performed a

secondary inspection on a green 1999 Honda CRV in the southbound lane at the POE, Eagle Pass,

Maverick Co. The vehicle was reported stolen out of San Antonio, TX. After questioning the driver of the

vehicle, the Deputy was told that he had picked up the vehicle at a supermarket and was going to take the

vehicle to Mexico. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and the vehicle was impounded pending further

disposition.


On 02 OCT 2011, a Maverick Co SO Deputy was informed that a white 2000 Ford F-250 at the POE,

Bridge 2, Eagle Pass, Maverick CO was being sent to the southbound secondary inspection. The driver

provided erroneous answers when questioned by CBP-OFO Officers. A license plate check was

performed on the vehicle and it was found to be stolen out of Bexar Co. The driver was arrested and

vehicle was impounded pending disposition.

ANALYST NOTE: Typically, American-made trucks and SUVs are the vehicles of

choice by DTOs.

On 02 OCT 2011, USBP Agents responded to an assistance call from Del Rio

PD at a local motel in the 2200 blk of Veterans Blvd, in Del Rio, TX. A K-9 team

searched the room and located a small baggie containing a white powdery

substance in a purse. The substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed

0.024 lbs. A Del Rio PD Officer arrested the owner of the purse and the cocaine

was seized.



Gang activity

On 29 SEP 2011, DPS-Air 116 was called to assist with a multi-agency operation in

Uvalde and Medina Counties. FBI, DPS, and US Marshals, in 23 teams, conducted the

operation, serving 23 search and arrest warrants in Uvalde and Hondo, TX. The

operations targeted known members of the TEXAS SYNDICATE, including an enforcer

for the gang. The subject was a wanted felon who had been indicted for murder and

was known to keep a large quantity of weapons. The Aircrew conducted preliminary

surveillance of the subject's residence utilizing NVG and FLIR equipment, allowing

DPS SWAT Officers to arrest him without incident. DPS-Air provided further assistance

for the remainder of the operation; a total of 21 subjects were arrested.

DPS SWAT flashbang entrySubject in custody


Gang activity (cont)

On 02 OCT 2011, a Dimmit Co Deputy Constable stopped a 2012 Ford F-350 for speeding

on FM-190. During the interview, the driver was observed to have numerous tattoos

consistent with LATIN KINGS. The subject admitted to being involved in a gang in the past,

but would not acknowledge which one. The subject further admitted to being in prison for

murder and recently being released. The subject was cited and released.

Revolution is the Solution

Brown PrideMexico Coat of Arms

Fronteras

BANDA



On 26 SEP 2011, a Dimmit Co SO Deputy performed a traffic stop on a green 2000 Mazda Protégé on

SH-85, in Carrizo Springs, TX. The subject was driving erratically; a consensual search produced an open

alcohol container, along with drug paraphernalia. The subject was driving with an invalid license. There were

indications that the driver was possibly a member of the ARYAN BROTHERHOOD. The driver was arrested.

08 09

Dice – 666

Swastika and

SS symbols

Swastika



On 02 OCT 2011, USBP Agents working primary inspection at the USBP Uvalde

Checkpoint on US-90, in Uvalde Co, referred a tan Hummer to secondary due to the

nervous behavior of one of the passengers. All four male occupants of the vehicle

claimed to be US Citizens. Background checks revealed that two passengers had

warrants out of Bexar Co: one for possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled

Substance, and the other for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon. In addition, one of the

passengers with an outstanding warrant was also suspected of being associated with

the MEXIKANEMI (TEXAS MEXICAN MAFIA). In secondary inspection, a K-9 alerted

to the interior of the vehicle. A plastic bag containing .009 lbs of marijuana was found in

a backpack. The driver claimed ownership of the marijuana; he was cited and released,

along with the vehicle and one passenger. The two subjects with outstanding warrants

were turned over to the Uvalde Co SO.

On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Agents, with assistance from DPS Air 116, tracked and

apprehended ten subjects on the Comanche Ranch in Maverick Co.


On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Agents, with assistance from DPS Air 116, searched for suspected IAs in a

black 2003 Ford Expedition east of the USBP Eagle Pass Checkpoint on US-57. Agents observed

several subjects load into the Ford Expedition at the near FM-481 and US-57. A registration check

of the vehicle revealed it to be stolen out of Austin, TX. Agents were following the vehicle and

attempted a vehicle stop, which failed to yield and crashed through a low fence on the Chaparosa

Ranch off US-57; all subjects bailed out into the brush. With the assistance of the Aircrew, Agents

apprehended seven IAs.


Subjects fleeing back to MexicoOn 30 SEP 2011, DPS Aviation assisted USBP Agents

in locating suspects that had entered the US illegally by

boat, crossing the Rio Grande at a location up river

from the power plant near the Dobbs Ranch. Agents

observed several subjects loading bundles into a small

boat. They crossed to the US-side and appeared to

stash the bundles near the edge of the river. DPS-Air

116 remained approximately five miles away as the

situation developed while Agents moved into position.

The boat was observed returning to the Mexico side.

The boat then came back across loaded with at least

six subjects. Agents called for DPS-Air 116 to try to

locate any possible illegal narcotics that were dropped

off. The subjects fled back to Mexico at


the sound of the approaching helicopter. DPS-Air 116 guided several Agents to locations where he

believed the subjects had been on the US side. After an extensive search of the riverbank, Agents

suspected that the crossing was a “dry run” to lure them to the area.

On 29 SEP 2011, DPS-Air 116 assisted USBP

Agents in the search for Illegal Aliens along US-277

in Maverick Co. A K-9 team arrived on scene and

was able to track the subjects to the Hughes Ranch

Rd. Four IAs were apprehended and processed per

sector guidelines.


Additional information (cont)

On 29 SEP 2011, a Dimmit Co SO Deputy

stopped an ivory 2002 Cadillac bearing TX

plates and a black 2003 Dodge truck bearing TX

plates traveling in tandem on SH-85E. Both

drivers seemed nervous and gave evasive

answers when questioned. Inspection of the

vehicles and their occupants revealed that the

male driver of the 2002 Cadillac had a warrant in

Karnes Co for Violation of Probation. A search of

the male subject revealed $5,903 USD in his

possession. The Deputy then contacted USBP

and requested assistance from a K-9 unit. Upon

arrival at the location of the stop, the

K-9 inspection resulted in a positive alert on the 2003 Dodge. The female driver

granted consent to an X-ray scan of her vehicle and it was transported to the USBP

station at Carrizo Springs, TX. Upon completion of the scan, a loaded pistol, three

loaded magazines and 0.014 lbs of methamphetamine were found in the center

console area. Also found inside the vehicle was 0.09 lbs of marijuana and $4,268

USD. The money found with both drivers was mostly in $1,000 denominations and

wrapped with rubber bands, which is a consistent method utilized by drug traffickers.

Additional paraphernalia found indicating illicit activity included small baggies, extra

rubber bands, and a stun gun. The driver of the 2002 Cadillac and the driver of the

2003 Dodge truck were arrested by the Dimmit Co SO. Both vehicles were impounded

pending disposition. The firearm, the currency, and the narcotics were turned over to

the Dimmit Co SO.


On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Agents on FM-2644 in Dimmit Co observed a white 2005 Chevrolet Silverado

pulling a horse trailer. Agents pulled behind the vehicle and observed it cross the center line multiple

times. Agents stopped the vehicle at the intersection of FM-2644 at US-83 in Carrizo Springs, TX, for an

immigration check and were immediately alerted to the driver by overly nervous behavior. The subject

stated he was traveling from Eagle Pass, TX, to Uvalde, TX, but was taking a route that was longer and

bypassed USBP Checkpoints. A K-9 alerted to the trailer and tampering was detected. The trailer floor

was solid and the wood was unusually thick. Additionally, aftermarket welds were discovered and paint

overspray indicated a possible hidden compartment. Agents discovered a concealed compartment in the

floor containing 239 bundles of marijuana weighing 498.5 lbs. The subject was arrested; the marijuana,

both vehicles, and the subject were turned over to the DEA. The horses were turned over to the USDA.


ANALYST NOTE: Please see the Overall

Assessment for further details on past

livestock trailer seizures. This is the first

seizure from a livestock trailer reported in

Del Rio Sector the past year.



On 01 OCT 2011, USBP Agents stopped a maroon 2003 Peterbilt 379 tractor towing a chrome/stainless

steel 1993 tanker at the USBP Del Rio Checkpoint, US-277N. The K-9 unit on duty alerted to the presence

of narcotics inside the tanker. The driver of the vehicle stated that the tanker was empty and a seal was

found on the access lid to the trailer. The Agents asked for the paperwork that usually accompanies this

type of seal and the driver replied that he did not have it. The trucking company that owns the vehicle was

contacted and the Agents were told that the driver of the vehicle was not known to the company and that

there was no paperwork for the seal. A backscatter scan was performed on the entire vehicle and detected

anomalies inside the tanker. The Agents then removed the seal and found 200 cellophane-wrapped

packages containing 423.9 lbs of marijuana. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and both he and the

narcotics were turned over to DEA. The tractor and tanker were impounded pending further disposition.



On 03 OCT 2011, USBP Agents were notified by a USBP Camera Operator that a

blue 1998 Ford Expedition was traveling on FM-1664 S, Quemado, TX. The

Camera Operator stated that he had seen two subjects loading large feed sacks

into a vehicle. The Agents immediately performed a vehicle stop and observed

several black bags in the back of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the Agents found

210 bricks of marijuana weighing 444.1 lbs inside the black bags. The female

driver and a female passenger were arrested. The subjects and the narcotics were

turned over to DEA. The vehicle was impounded pending disposition.

On 23 SEP 2011, Uvalde Co SO Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a gold 2001 Lincoln

Navigator in the 500 block of South Getty St, in Uvalde, TX. There were two subjects in the

vehicle: a male driver and female passenger. A consensual search revealed 0.031 lbs of

methamphetamine concealed in a coffee cup; a small baggie containing a trace amount

(.001 lbs) of marijuana was also found. Deputies seized $1,158 USD from the male

driver. The male driver was arrested. The female passenger was released, along with the

vehicle.

QUEMADO


Del Rio Sector Unified Command Sector Assessment

During this reporting period, several of the categories either increased or stayed the same in

comparison to last week’s totals. The fall marijuana harvest, which generally starts in September,

could be an explanation for the large bulk marijuana seizures in the sector this week. Seven of the

eight major seizures were 200 lbs or greater, and the total marijuana seized was 2,447 lbs. This is

1,800 lbs of marijuana seized over last reporting period’s total.

IA apprehensions, cocaine, and methamphetamine seizures increased over the last reporting

period. Weapons, criminal arrests, and stolen vehicles all decreased, while the was a significant

increase in stolen vehicle recoveries. Two of the recovered stolen vehicles were attempting to enter

Mexico at a POE.

One significant incident involved two vehicles stopped by a Dimmit Co SO Deputy, that resulted in a

$10,171 USD seizure, along with a small amount of marijuana, 0.014 lbs of meth, and multiple

items of paraphernalia indicating distribution. The most notable seizure reported was 10,000 rds of

7.62x39mm ammo, commonly used in AK-47 rifles. This particular seizure is the largest ammo

seizure in the previous 12 months (in July 2010, 20,900 rounds of 7.62x39mm and .223 cal ammo

was seized in Eagle Pass, TX). There is a noticeable increase of weapons and accessories

seizures in the Del Rio Sector in comparison to previous years.

Federal search and arrest warrants, in a joint effort between FBI, US Marshals Service, and DPS,

resulted in 21 members of the TEXAS SYNDICATE being arrested, including one “enforcer.” This

is a significant hit to the local segment of the gang operating out of the Uvalde and Medina county

areas. These subjects and two additional subjects were to be arraigned in Del Rio 07 OCT 2011.


W E B B

J I MH O G G

D U V A L

Z A P A T A

L A S A L L E

F R I O


Jim Hogg CO SOLa Salle CO SO Webb CO SO Zapata CO SO Dilley PD Laredo PDPearsall PD

CBP ICE TPWDTMFDPSDuval CO S O Frio CO SO

Full Map/Table of ContentsCONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


Laredo SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 3

Bailouts 2

Criminal Arrests 18

Fugitive Arrests --


Pursuits 2

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 36

IAs/USBP 623

OTMs 196

OTM Countries

China 4

Dominican Republic 1

Ecuador 2

El Salvador 59

Guatemala 44

Honduras 81

India 2

Nicaragua 2

Peru 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 86.45 lbs

Heroin 42.1 lbs


Currency --

Other: --

Weapons

Handgun(s) --

Long Gun(s) --

Grenades(s) --


Stolen 9

Recovered 5


Laredo SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$309,000

$17,000$0 $0

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

$350,000

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Laredo UC Currency Seizures

4,454.80

3,787.32

1,026.10

4,125.11

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

3,500.00

4,000.00

4,500.00

5,000.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Laredo UC Marijuana Seizures

50.90

0.07 0.00

86.45

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Laredo UC Cocaine Seizures

576

467

665

623

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Laredo UC Illegal Aliens


LAREDO PD – Gang Activity

• On 01 OCT 2011, Officers arrested a male subject identified as a MEXICAN MAFIA gang member and

charged the subject with Burglary of Habitation.

• On 29 SEP 2011, Officers arrested a male subject identified as a SURENO 13 gang

member. The subject was charged with Burglary of Building.

• On 30 SEP 2011, Officers arrested a subject identified as a LATIN KING gang member. The subject

was charged with Burglary of Vehicle.

All subjects were remanded to the Webb Co Jail.

Additional InformationOn 01 OCT 2011, CBP/OFO officers working at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge in Laredo, TX seized

509.11 lbs of marijuana concealed in a non-factory compartment above the axels of a commercial

tour bus. The bus and marijuana were seized by DEA.

ANALYST NOTE: Commercial tour bus seizures

are generally from abandoned luggage in the

under carriage of the vehicle. Occasionally, the

contraband is seized from natural void

compartments in the bus. Another example: On

20 JAN 2011, CBP OFO officers at the Lincoln-

Juarez Bridge seized 36.9 lbs of heroin

concealed in the roof of a commercial bus.


On 28 SEP 2011, USBP Zapata Agents performed a vehicle stop on a white 2008 Dodge Ram

Dually pulling a flatbed trailer on US-83 , eight miles south of Zapata, TX. A Service K-9 alerted to

a false floor within the trailer's floorboards. Agents discovered 1,395 lbs of marijuana. The male

driver was arrested, turned over to CBP-HIS, and the vehicle was seized by USBP Zapata Station.

DRIVER: Gonzalez-

Reyna, Carlos

08/07/1967

On 23 SEP 2011, Zapata Co SO Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a red

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, one mile south of Zapata on US-83. The Deputy

discovered 11 bundles of marijuana weighing 250 lbs inside the

vehicle. The driver was arrested and remanded to Zapata Co Female

Jail.

DRIVER: Canales, Maricela Idalia

12/09/1946



• On 27 SEP 2011, Webb Co SO Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a yellow 2011 GMC Penske

Rental Truck traveling on US-59E. The female driver gave the deputy several false names and

DOBs. The Deputy searched the vehicle with his Service K-9 and discovered 35.2 lbs of heroin

within a battery that was located in the back of the vehicle. The female subject, the vehicle, and

the narcotics were turned over to ICE.

• On 27 SEP 2011, inspected a white 2002 Ford F-350 at the

Lincoln Juarez Bridge POE in Laredo, TX. The vehicle had

been reported stolen and was impounded.

• On 24 SEP 2011, seized a 2007 Case Backhoe Loader on Wormser Rd and Cuatro Vienos Rd in

Laredo, TX. The loader had been reported stolen and was impounded.

• On 22 SEP 2011, apprehended 13 undocumented aliens while working on S.

Wilhelm Ave in Laredo, TX. The undocumented aliens were turned over to USBP.

• On 23 SEP 2011, apprehended a male subject while inspecting for possible stolen vehicles at a

nationalization business at Las Cruces and Tejas Loop in Laredo, TX. The male subject was

unable to provide proper identification. Using his name, DOB, and a scar on his right forearm,

dispatch confirmed him as an undocumented, deported felon. The subject was turned over to

USBP.

• On 27 SEP 2011, inspected a white 2009 Ford F-150 King

Ranch from the Lincoln Juarez Bridge in Laredo, TX. The

vehicle had been reported stolen and was impounded.

WEBB CO SO seizures/apprehensions/recoveries…


• On 04 OCT 2011, THP Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 1998 Chevrolet pickup traveling on US-83N

near Laredo, TX. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 35.2 lbs of cocaine concealed within

the gas tank of the vehicle. Two male subjects were arrested and the vehicle was seized.

• On 02 OCT 2011, THP Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2005 Ford F-250 on IH-35 near Dilley, TX.

The driver refused to stop and a short pursuit ensued until vehicle crashed through a fence and the

driver bailed out. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 2 bundles of abandoned marijuana

weighing 68 lbs. The vehicle was also reported stolen and was seized by trooper.

• On 27 SEP 2011, THP Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 1996 Chevrolet Caprice

passenger vehicle traveling on IH-35N near Devine, TX. A subsequent search of the

vehicle revealed 22.88 lbs of methamphetamine concealed within a false

compartment of the trunk. The male driver, identified as a Mexican citizen, was

arrested.

THP TROOPER seized…

On 02 OCT 2011, 48.5 lbs of crystal meth concealed within

non-factory metal boxes behind the rear seat of a 2007 white

Nissan Altima. The subject was arrested, and the vehicle and

meth were seized.

Meza-

Hurtado,

Bernardo

CBP-OFO at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge seized…


On 28 SEP 2011, USBP Freer Agents working at the US-59 Checkpoint recovered a Grey

2007 Nissan Murano that was reported stolen out of Jim Wells Co. The vehicle and

driver were turned over the Webb Co SO.

On 04 OCT 2011, USBP Freer Agents, working at the US-59 Checkpoint seized

14.4 lbs of marijuana located inside the bottom luggage bin of an Expreso/Flecha Roja

Bus. The luggage was unclaimed. The contraband was turned over to DEA.

On 28 SEP 2011, USBP Hebbronville Agents working at the FM-1017 Checkpoint encountered a green 1999

Pontiac Grand Am. The Agents discovered 3.8 lbs of marijuana and 0.1 lbs of cocaine concealed within a

duffle bag inside the trunk. The subject, the vehicle and the narcotics were turned over to Jim Hogg SO.

On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Hebbronville Agents working the area near A.A. Martinez Rd and FM-3073,

recovered 9.5 lbs of abandoned marijuana. A search of the area yielded no arrests. The narcotics were

turned over to DEA.

On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Hebbronville Agents working at the FM-1017 Checkpoint encountered a gold

Ford Windstar. Agents discovered 12.6 lbs of cocaine concealed in the vehicle's battery. The male driver

was arrested and the vehicle seized.

Frayde, Rey

David

11/30/1990

On 04 OCT 2011, USBP Hebbronville Agents, working at the

TX-16 Checkpoint, seized 33 bundles of marijuana weighing

102.3 lbs from the gas tank of a 2005 Chevrolet pickup. The

driver (USC) was arrested. The subject, vehicle, and

marijuana were turned over to Jim Hogg Co SO.

Becerra, Silvestre

04/08/1982


On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Laredo West Agents working on the

Needmore Ranch encountered four abandoned bundles of

marijuana weighing 229.7 lbs. No arrests were made and

the narcotics were turned over to DEA.

On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Laredo North Agents working at the IH-35 Checkpoint

encountered a red 2007 Ford F-150. After obtaining consent to search, Agents

discovered 7.21 lbs of cocaine concealed within an aftermarket compartment

of the vehicle's firewall. The male driver was arrested. The vehicle and

contraband were turned over to DEA.

Hernandez-Banda

Armando

06/21/1967

On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Laredo

North Agents at the IH-35

Checkpoint seized 10 bundles of

cocaine weighing a total of

19.6 lbs from a beige 2004 Lexus

ES300. The cocaine was

concealed within an aftermarket

compartment in the dashboard.

The driver, contraband and

vehicle were turned over to DEA.

Rosales-Zapata, Hector

01/26/1972


On 29 SEP 2011, USBP Cotulla Agents observed a silver Dodge Durango

traveling on IH-35N. After a brief pursuit, three subjects bailed out and

absconded into the brush. Agents discovered two large green duffle bags of

marijuana with a total weight of 74 lbs. Vehicle and contraband were seized.

On 01 OCT 2011, Laredo North Agents near Mines Rd in Laredo, TX, observed

seven subjects carrying bundles into the US. The subjects spotted the Agents and

absconded back to Mexico. A search of the area revealed 344.7 lbs of

abandoned marijuana. The narcotics were turned over to DEA.

On 01 OCT 2011, USBP Laredo South agents working at the Paul Garza Ranch in

Laredo, TX, observed subjects carrying large bundles. Upon seeing the agents, the

subjects dropped the bundles and absconded into Mexico. Agents seized a total of four

bundles of marijuana weighing 229.7 lbs. The marijuana was turned over to DEA.

On 01 OCT 2011, USBP Agents working on the McMahon Ranch encountered

subjects carrying two bundles of marijuana. The Agents identified themselves the

subjects dropped the bundles and absconded back into Mexico. The Agents

recovered 107.3 lbs of abandoned marijuana. No arrests were made and the

narcotics were turned over to DEA.

On 05 OCT 2011, USBP Laredo South Agents working near the Paul

Garza Ranch in Laredo, TX, observed five subjects carrying large

bundles. As Agents approached the subjects, they dropped the bundles

and absconded back across the Rio Grande into Mexico. The two

bundles of abandoned marijuana weighed 119.6 lbs and were turned

over to DEA.


On 04 OCT 2011, USBP Laredo North Agents working at the IH-35 Checkpoint seized

121.4 lbs of marijuana after a K-9 alerted during a secondary inspection on a white 2003

International Tractor Trailer with TXLPs. Agents discovered 10 bundles of marijuana

covered by blankets in the cabin. The male driver and a female passenger were arrested.

The subjects, truck and narcotics were turned over to the DEA.

Driver: Cruz De La Rosa, Juan

09/13/1972

Passenger: Guerrero-De La

Rosa, Julieta

08/30/1970

Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment

Overall, alien apprehensions decreased slightly from 665 to 623. However, OTM apprehensions increased

from 144 to 196, due to substantial increases in Guatemalan and El Salvadoran apprehensions. The IA

referrals from the Unified Command increased from 20 to 36.

Reported stolen vehicles decreased from 10 to nine. Recoveries increased from two to five.

The largest single marijuana seizure this week was 1,395 lbs, seized by USBP Zapata Agents on US-83.

CBP/OFO Officers had the largest methamphetamine seizure this week with 48.5 lbs at the Lincoln-

Juarez Bridge. THP had the largest cocaine seizure with 35.2 lbs.

There were two more seizures involving vehicle batteries this week, as well as a seizure involving a

flatbed trailer that follows current concealment trends in the Laredo Sector.

The Laredo Unified Command had a notable increase in marijuana, heroin, cocaine and

methamphetamine seizures this week. No currency or weapon seizures were reported in

the sector this week.


K E N E D Y

S T A R R H I D A L G O

W I L L A C Y

C A M E R O N

B R O O K S

UNIFIED COMMAND

MEMBERS

CBP – USBPCBP – OFOATFICE NCISUSCG US Fish & WildlifeStarr Co HIDTADPS – THP, CID, AVNTexas RangersTPWD Texas Military ForcesTXNG CDAECameron Co SOHidalgo Co SOKenedy Co SOWillacy Co SO Starr Co SOHidalgo Co Pct 3Hidalgo Co Pct 4Alamo PDAlton PDBrownsville PDDonna PDEdcouch PD

Elsa PDEdinburg PDHarlingen PD Hidalgo PD La Feria PDLa Grulla PD La Joya PDLa Villa PDLos Fresnos PDMercedes PDMission PDPalmhurst PDPalmview PDPenitas PD Pharr PDRaymondville PDRio Grande City PDRoma PD San Benito PDSan Juan PDUTPA PD UTB PDWeslaco PD




Rio Grande Valley SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds --

Bailouts 5

Criminal Arrests 39

Fugitive Arrests 4


Pursuits 7

Scouts/Decoys --

Spikings --

Splash Downs --

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 112.11 lbs

Heroin --

Methamphetamine --

Currency $491,203.00

Other84 tablets- Alprazolam,

10 tablets- Hydrocodone

Weapons

Handgun(s) 3

Long Gun(s) 2

Ammunition 4 boxes- .50 cal


Stolen --

Recovered 2


IAs/Referrals 10

IAs/USBP 1,139

OTMs 413

OTM Countries

El Salvador 110

Guatemala 155

Honduras 99

India 9

Ecuador 10


Peru 2

Nicaragua 10

Cuba 1

St. Lucia 1

Costa Rica 4

Columbia 5


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

1,113

1,086

1,193

1,139

1,020

1,040

1,060

1,080

1,100

1,120

1,140

1,160

1,180

1,200

1,220

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

RGV UC Illegal Aliens

87.80

207.74

48.65

112.11

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

RGV UC Cocaine Seizures

17,606.04

20,510.33 20,648.07

19,972.70

16,000.00

16,500.00

17,000.00

17,500.00

18,000.00

18,500.00

19,000.00

19,500.00

20,000.00

20,500.00

21,000.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

RGV UC Marijuana Seizures

$428,020

$1,635,080

$24,782

$491,203

$0

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

$1,600,000

$1,800,000

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

RGV UC Currency Seizures


Gang activity

The Hidalgo Co SO Gang Intelligence Unit reported 43 gang member arrests this reporting period.

These arrests were made by 16 different agencies in the RGV sector. The gang members were

arrested for offenses such as: possession of controlled substance, assault causes bodily injury,

parole violation, unauthorized use of vehicle, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, public

intoxication, theft of property, burglary of habitation, driving while intoxicated, criminal trespass,

evading arrest, failure to identify, contempt of child support, graffiti, striking fixture/hwy landscape,

assault on public servant, burglary of vehicle, burglary of building, accident involving injury and

aggravated robbery. The arrestees have gang affiliation with:

Valluco Tango Blaster Houston Loco Trece

Mexican Mafia South Side Bandito Latin Kings

Notorious Thugs Texas Chicano Brotherhood Sureno 13

Po’ Boys Norteno 14 Paisa

Pistoleros Tri-City Bombers


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

Hidalgo C SO requested assistance from DPS Air 108 with a vehicle pursuit that

ended in a bailout near La Joya, TX. The Aircrew arrived and made a quick search

of the area. The Aircrew continued to circle the area and provided aerial cover for

the Deputies that were searching the buildings and sheds. The suspect was

located hiding inside a shed and was arrested without incident. The suspect’s

vehicle was searched and approximately 500 lbs of marijuana was discovered in

the trunk and rear seat area.



On 4 OCT 2011 at approximately 1:22am, a Rio Grande City

USBP Agent manning the skybox reported shots fired toward

his position in Cuevitas, TX. The gunfire originated from

within the US. One shot hit the hill below the Agent in the

skybox, and the other shot was heard passing over his

position. USBP, Starr Co SO, and Sullivan City PD responded

to the location. No suspects were apprehended.

Stock Photo

SHOTS FIRED AT USBP AGENT



CBP-OFO Officers from the Hidalgo POE inspected an inbound 2005 Jeep Cherokee with

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

21.6 lbs of cocaine concealed underneath the rear seats. The driver was arrested and

the vehicle was seized.

CBP-OFO Officers from the Anzalduas POE inspected an inbound 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer with

TXLPs driven by a male USC. A secondary inspection of the vehicle revealed 63.3 lbs of

marijuana concealed in the rear quarter panels. The driver was arrested and the vehicle was

seized.



USBP Agents requested assistance from DPS Air 108 with a search for illegal aliens in

the Hardwick area, southwest of Mission, TX. The Aircrew spotted four subjects

attempting to cross a small pond and directed Agents to their location to apprehend

them. In total,11 IAs were apprehended.

USBP Agents requested assistance from DPS Air 108 in searching for a group of

subjects that had bailed out of a vehicle following a pursuit on US-281, north of

Edinburg, TX. Agents apprehended 11 subjects and were searching the area when

the Aircrew arrived on scene. The Aircrew located six more subjects, who were

apprehended by the Agents.

USBP Agents requested assistance from DPS Air 108 in searching for IA traffic

northwest of Edinburg, TX. The Aircrew arrived on scene and assisted Agents in

apprehending four male subjects.

McAllen USBP Agents seized 802 lbs of marijuana near Hidalgo, TX. Agents observed

several subjects running north from the immediate river area carrying what appeared to

be bundles on their backs. As Agents approached the area, the subjects dropped the

bundles and fled on foot. After a search of the area, Agents discovered 14 bundles of

marijuana in the brush. A search of the immediate area yielded the apprehension of

eight subjects. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics.

Falfurrias USBP Agents seized 16.72 lbs of cocaine at the USBP Checkpoint in

Falfurrias, TX. During primary inspection, a service K-9 alerted to a Chrysler PT

Cruiser. During secondary inspection, Agents discovered seven bundles of cocaine

concealed within the passenger side air bag compartment. A USC subject was

arrested. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics and the subject.


USBP Agents requested assistance from DPS Air 108 in

tracking a group of subjects near the Havana area. The

Aircrew responded and found Agents working a group of

subjects in a large wooded area between the river and

Military Rd. The Aircrew was able to locate the suspects and

guided agents to the group. A total of seven suspects from

the group were apprehended.

IV

The DPS Aircrew responded to a pursuit by THP Troopers on US-281S, north of Edinburg, TX. The

Aircrew discovered suspected illegal aliens hiding under a tarp in the back of the truck and

advised pursuing Troopers. The Troopers backed away from the fleeing vehicle, allowing the

Aircrew to take over the pursuit. The vehicle continued southbound, came to a complete stop and

several subjects bailed out. The Aircrew tracked the fleeing suspects and attempted to guide

Troopers to their location, but were unsuccessful.



Mission PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on black Ford pickup. During the roadside interview, the Officer

observed ammo on the door armrest. A records check of the driver revealed that he had multiple warrants

totaling $6,256 USD. The Officer then asked the driver if he had any weapons in the vehicle to which the

driver responded that he had a gun in a pouch behind the seat. The driver gave the Officer consent to

search the vehicle. During the search, the officer found a handgun with a full magazine and a round in the

chamber. The Officer then observed what appeared to be a rifle case on the rear floorboard, a check of

the case revealed a .50 cal AR 15 Defcon rifle (not loaded). The Officer then found a new .50 cal Desert

Eagle handgun still in the box. The driver stated to the officer that he had just purchased the weapons at

a gun shop. A continued search of the vehicle revealed four boxes of .50 cal Beowulf ammo in a

grocery bag on the front seat. The driver was arrested and transported to Mission PD.

THP Troopers requested assistance from DPS Air 108 with major rollover accident on FM-

490 and FM-755. The Aircrew was advised that the driver and several subjects had bailed-

out and fled from the scene. The Aircrew was able to located six subjects hiding in the

brush approximately 1.2 miles from the accident. Troopers and Starr Co Deputies were

guided to the subjects’ location and all six were detained. The Aircrew continued to

search for the driver with negative results.

IV


Stock Photo: .50 cal Beowulf rifle

NOTE: Please see slide 110 for further information on

noted TTPs of Cartels and their use of .50 cal rifles.


2½ TONS SEIZED IN ONE WEEKEND

Rio Grande City USBP Agents seized 922 lbs of marijuana near Escobares, TX. Agents observed several

subjects loading what appeared to be bundles into a waiting vehicle located by the riverbank. As Agents

approached, the subjects fled the area and absconded back to MX. A search of the vehicle resulted in the

seizure of 32 bundles of marijuana. HIDTA Task Force assumed custody of the narcotics and the vehicle.

Rio Grande City USBP Agents seized 682 lbs of marijuana near Fronton, TX. Agents observed a Ford F-

150 driving north away from the immediate Rio Grande area. As Agents approached, they could see what

appeared to be bundles in the bed of the pickup. They immediately conducted a vehicle stop,

subsequently seizing 30 bundles of marijuana. A juvenile male subject was taken into custody. DEA

assumed custody of the narcotics. The juvenile subject was released to his legal guardian.

Rio Grande City USBP Agents seized 866 lbs of marijuana near Garceno, TX. Agents

observed a group of subjects loading what appeared to be bundles into a waiting vehicle

located by the riverbank. As Agents approached, the subjects fled the area and absconded to

MX. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 37 bundles of marijuana. DEA assumed

custody of the narcotics.

Weslaco USBP Agents seized 1,184.5 lbs of marijuana Donna, TX. Agents

observed a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling north from the river area at a high rate of

speed. As Agents approached, the vehicle made an abrupt turn and

headed south towards the Rio Grande. Once at the riverbank, the driver

and passenger bailed out of the vehicle. The driver was apprehended at the

scene, and the passenger jumped into the river and swam back to MX. A search of

the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 17 bundles of marijuana. DEA assumed custody

of the narcotics and the subject.

USBP Agents, with the assistance of Air and Marine assets, seized nearly 2½ tons of marijuana, as well as

ammunition during several weekend drug busts in RGV Sector. Officials announced the nearly 5,000 lbs of

marijuana seized over a three day period (30 SEPT – OCT 2) had a value of nearly $4 million.


2½ TONS OF MARIJUANA SEIZED IN ONE WEEKEND (cont)

The most unique seizure occurred when Agents found 609 lbs of the marijuana on a ranch near Rio

Grande City, TX. The marijuana was found in several underground containers (bunkers) on the ranch.

Authorities also found 80 firearms magazines, some of them loaded with .223 cal ammo along with

several tactical vests. (The following are pictures from this seizure.)

The following is another seizure made by USBP Agents over the 30 SEP – 2 OCT weekend.

More photographs from this

seizure on the next page.


2½ TONS SEIZED IN ONE WEEKEND (cont)

ANALYST NOTE: The boxes, which were

buried and well-concealed, (see photo in top

left corner) and appear to be very similar to

tool boxes for truck beds (example in the

stock photo to the left).Stock Photo


An Officer encountered a 1994 Lincoln Town car being loaded with what appeared to be narcotics.

The Officer attempted to make contact with six to eight subjects, all of whom ran into a wooded

area towards the Rio Grande and abandoned their load. The Officer conducted a search of the

vehicle and found a total of 575.4 lbs of marijuana.

Officers responded to suspicious persons call at an apartment complex on 4th St. Witnesses stated that two

male subjects ran towards the back of the apartments before Police arrived. Upon arrival, Officers began

searching the alley behind the complex and noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from a nearby house.

Officers along with HIDTA proceeded to the residence and obtained a consent to search. Officers found a total

of 539 lbs of marijuana inside. One male subject and one female subject were arrested by HIDTA.

An Officer encountered a 2000 Ford Taurus loaded with what appeared to be narcotics in plain view. The

Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop and the driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit. The driver bailed

out and fled into a dense wooded area. A total of 224 lbs of marijuana in four bundles were recovered from

the vehicle.

Roma PD received information about a green Chevrolet Silverado loaded with narcotics. Officers arrived on

scene and located the vehicle parked at a local residence. Officers approached a male subject and observed

marijuana bundles inside the pickup. Officers obtained verbal consent to search the residence and found a total

of 693.8 lbs of marijuana. One male subject and one female subject were arrested.

ROMA PD seizures/apprehensions…

2nd and 4th Streets are in this areaCONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE



Rio Grande City PD Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black 2002 Chevrolet

Impala. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle came to a stop after it

wrecked into a fence, where the driver bailed out and absconded. The Officer conducted a

search of the vehicle and discovered 161.2 lbs of marijuana in 2 bundles.

Rio Grande City PD Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2000 Dodge Dakota but the

driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle finally came to a stop and the Officer

observed three male subjects bail out and abscond into a wooded area. The Officer conducted

a search of the vehicle and discovered 375 lbs of marijuana in 7 bundles. The vehicle was

seized.

Brownsville PD SIU Investigators seized two counterfeit trucks at a nearby ranch.

Investigators located 46.62 lbs of marijuana in 16 bundles concealed inside a large

air compressor in the rear area of the utility truck. A search warrant was then

secured for the owner’s residence. The search resulted in the seizure of $4,000 USD.



Brownsville PD SIU Investigators arrested

one male subject after he was found in

unlawful possession of approximately 310

lbs of marijuana at a local residence.

A McAllen PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on a pickup on Trenton Rd. A consensual

search of the vehicle revealed several bundles of currency. A total of $485,000 USD was

seized. The driver was questioned and released. DEA has taken over the investigation.

Harlingen PD Special Investigations Unit (SIU) seized narcotics from a UPS shipping

center. Investigators were conducting drug interdiction duties and a K-9 Officer conducted

a free air search of two suspicious packages inside one of the UPS trucks. Investigators

opened both packages and located a total of 47.9 lbs of marijuana in 12 bundles. The

bundles were concealed using wax to look like large candles inside shipping boxes.



Harlingen PD Special Investigations Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and

members of Cameron Co SO SWAT Team executed a search warrant at a local

residence in Harlingen, TX. Two of the occupants were in possession of cocaine,

marijuana, Alprazolam and Hydrocodone without a prescription. The two subjects were

arrested and taken to the Harlingen City Jail for processing. A third adult occupant of the

residence was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also arrested

and taken to the Harlingen City Jail. A total of 0.3 lbs of marijuana,

0.07 lbs of cocaine, 84 tablets of Alprazolam and 10 tablets of Hydrocodone.

Officers also located handgun, a shotgun and $2,203 USD.

Harlingen PD K-9 Officer conducted a traffic stop on a white semi truck with Indiana license plates

for following too closely . Officer made contact with the driver and conducted a free air search of the

semi and trailer. The K-9 alerted to the front end of the trailer. Officer located a total of

201.3 lbs of marijuana in six bundles.

Harlingen PD Special Investigations Unit (SIU) seized narcotics from a UPS shipping

center. Investigators were conducting drug interdiction duties and a K-9 Officer conducted

a free air search of a suspicious package. The K-9 positively alerted to the package.

Investigators opened the package and found 17.8 lbs of marijuana in one bundle.

Edinburg PD Officer responded to a local residence in reference to a home invasion

(aggravated robbery). The Officer made contact with the victim who stated that eight men,

one armed with a handgun, entered his residence and held him at gunpoint. The victim

stated that the men asked for the location of the cocaine. The victim denied having any

narcotics. The subjects then searched the residence and in the process, took the victim’s

flat screen TV. The victim also stated that the men left in what appeared to be a maroon

SUV.



Starr Co SO Deputy was dispatched to the entrance of San Julian Rd and US-83 in

reference to an abandoned vehicle with a package of what appeared to be marijuana.

Officer arrived at location and found 22.8 lbs of marijuana in one bundle wrapped with

brown tape in the vehicle’s trunk. After searching the inside of the vehicle, the Officer

noticed two bullet holes in the driver’s seat. Starr County Investigators arrived at the

location and took custody of the vehicle.

THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban on US-281 near

San Manuel, TX, for an unrestrained child and obstructed view through windshield. The

Trooper made contact with the driver and passenger and observed signs of nervousness

and criminal activity. The Trooper requested and was granted verbal consent to search

the vehicle. A search of the vehicle reveled 8.82 lbs of cocaine in 3 bundles and 118 lbs

of marijuana in 23 bundles, hidden in the gas tank. The driver was arrested.

Starr Co SO Deputies assisted investigators in executing a search warrant at a local

residence in Rio Grande City. Deputies were able to locate a total of 5,571 lbs of

marijuana inside the residence. One male subject and one female subject were arrested.

Cameron Co SO SIU K-9 Officer seized a pallet from a local freight company after a

positive K-9 alert. A search warrant was obtained for the pallet. The Officer seized a total

of 73 lbs of marijuana.

Cameron Co SO SIU Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for defective

equipment on US-83 and Stuart Place Rd. The Deputy conducted a consented search of

the vehicle and found 65.04 lbs of cocaine. The driver was arrested.


THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Chrysler 300 on US-83 near Sullivan City, TX.

The Trooper made contact with the driver and passenger and observed extreme nervousness.

The Trooper noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Trooper requested

and received consent to search the vehicle and located 159.8 lbs of marijuana concealed in

the trunk. The driver admitted to transporting marijuana. The driver and passenger were

arrested.


THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Chevrolet Impala on US-83 near La Joya, TX.

The Trooper made contact with the driver and observed several bundles of marijuana inside

vehicle. The driver bailed out of the vehicle and absconded. The Trooper conducted a search of

the vehicle and found 549.6 lbs of marijuana concealed in the front and back seat areas, as

well as in the trunk.

THP Trooper observed a 2002 Dodge 1500 northbound on FM-907 lose control and roll over.

Multiple bundles of marijuana, totaling 864.1 lbs, flew out of the vehicle and the driver fled on

foot. After a short foot pursuit, the driver was apprehended and arrested. The Trooper

conducted a registration check on the vehicle and was advised that the vehicle was confirmed

stolen out of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, MX.


CBP Officials are investigating a chopper crash that occurred on 4 OCT 2011. The CBP

aircraft ended up on its side with one of the rotor blades bent over. A pilot and an observer

were on board. The pair was in the middle of assisting THP with a pursuit when it went

down. The pilot and the observer escaped with only minor injuries.

DPS CID Agents from Rosenberg and Harlingen worked

together to identify a possible narcotics loading location in

rural Hidalgo Co. Agents conducted surveillance and

observed a vehicle leave the suspect location. THP Troopers

conducted a traffic stop on US-281 in Edinburg. The driver

gave consent to search and agents were able to locate

2,326 lbs of marijuana in 98 bundles comingled inside

several pallets of limes. One male suspect was arrested.

Photos Courtesy of DPS Aviation


The RGV Unified Command agencies were responsible for the seizure of over 19,000 lbs of marijuana.

The amount was a nominal decrease from last week. Cocaine seizures increased from 48.65 lbs reported

last week to 112.11 lbs this week. There were no heroin or methamphetamine seizures for the week.

Currency increased to a total of $491,203.10 USD.

Of the 19,972 lbs of marijuana seized this week, roughly 4,800 lbs were seized by USBP in multiple

seizures over the weekend of 30 SEP – 2 OCT 2011 and Star Co SO seized 5,571 from a single

residence, which accounted for 27.8% of the marijuana seized this week.

The USBP, CBP OFO, DPS Aviation, DPS THP, Texas Rangers and CID, Starr Co SO, Cameron CO SO,

Rio Grande City PD, Roma PD, Mission PD, Harlingen PD, and Brownsville PD contributed significantly

to the narcotic and currency seizures.

IA apprehensions decreased for the reporting period down from 1,193 to 1,139 this week. The OTM count

decreased from last week to a total of 413.

The Mexican Military engaged in several gun battles with cartel members in the cities of Matamoros and

Reynosa. The Mexican Military continue their pursuit of high-value Gulf Cartel and Zeta targets in the

northern part of the state of Tamaulipas and have increased their patrols in the rural areas near the Rio

Grande. The violence is expected to remain constant due to infiltration by Los Zetas. The RGV BIC and

JOIC continue to closely monitor events in Mexico that may produce any spillover violence.

The USBP RGV Sector International Liaison Unit assisted US law enforcement agencies by

communicating intelligence and information to Mexican authorities and vice versa. The military continues

to respond to narcotic smuggling events reported by USBP. The ILU efforts have been an invaluable

asset to border security efforts.

RGV Unified Command Sector Assessment


K L E B E R G

N U E C E SJ I M

W E L L S

M c M U L L E N B E EL I V EO A K

G O L I A D

D e W I T T

L A V A C A

R E F U G I O

A R A N S A S

W H A R T O N

B R O O K S


UNIFIED COMMAND

MEMBERS

USBPCBP – OFO ICEFBI ATFDEAUSCGUS MarshallsUS Parks DepartmentUS Postal InspectorTPWDTexas Dept of TranspoHouston HIDTASan Antonio HIDTATMFDPSAransas CO SOBee CO SOBrooks CO SOCalhoun CO SODewitt CO SOGoliad CO SOGonzales CO SOGuadalupe CO SOJackson CO SOJim Wells CO SOKarnes CO SOKleberg CO SO

Lavaca CO SOMatagorda CO SO Live Oak CO SO Matagorda CO SOMcMullen CO SONueces CO SO Refugio CO SOSan Patricio CO SOVictoria CO SOWharton CO SOAlice PDBay City PDBeeville PDCorpus Christi PDCuero PDDriscoll PDEl Campo PDGeorge West PDHallettsville PDKingsville PDOrange Grove PDRefugio PDRobstown PDRockport PDSeguin PDSinton PDThree Rivers PDVictoria PD



Coastal Bend SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 32

Bailouts 16

Criminal Arrests 110

Fugitive Arrests 63


Pursuits 17

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 14

IAs/USBP --

OTMs --

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 77.23 lbs

Cocaine 52.19 lbs

Heroin --

Methamphetamine --

K2 / Synthetic Marijuana --

Currency $526.00

Other

Hydrocodone 23 pills,

Tramadol 2 pills,

Cyclobenzprine 2 pills,

Xanax 4 pills,

Amphetamine 56 pills

Weapons

Handgun(s) 2

Long Gun(s) 4

Explosive(s) --


Stolen 1

Recovered 14


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

IAs apprehended in the Coastal Bend

JOIC Sector and reported by USBP

Stations Kingsville, Corpus Christi and

Falfurrias, are reported in the RGV JOIC

statistics because the above listed USBP

stations report to USBP Sector (Rio

Grande Valley) HQ in McAllen.

Referrals noted on the previous page are

IAs apprehended by Coastal Bend Unified

Command members (local and county)

that ultimately turn over their

apprehensions to USBP.

$41,358

$44,820

$195,322

$526$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Currency Seizures

6,359.57

1,574.95

348.2377.23

0.00

1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

7,000.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Marijuana Seizures

0.31 0.30 0.34

52.19

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Coastal Bend UC Cocaine Seizures


Victoria Co So seized two rifles and three handguns during the execution of a search

warrant at a residence. Two male subjects were located and identified as members of the

LA EME prison gang, a branch of the Mexican Mafia. Both subjects were taken into

custody and transported to the Victoria Co Jail.

Alice PD seized a handgun and arrested one male subject following a complaint that a

man had a weapon outside of a gas station. The male subject is a confirmed member of

the BROWN & PROUD street gang.

Refugio Co SO conducted a traffic stop and identified a male driver as a member of the

TANGO CORPITIS street gang, a branch of the Tango Blast prison gang. The subject

was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.

LA EME 2

TANGO CORPITIS 1

BROWN & PROUD 1

Known gang-type apprehensions this

reporting week

GANG ACTIVITY




Calhoun Co SO, assisted by DPS 103, searched for four subjects who had

fled on foot following a pursuit and bailout. The search lasted for more than

two hours and included ground ATV units. The search yielded negative

results.

Kleberg Co So assisted by USBP seized 57.4

lbs of marijuana concealed in a duffel bag

under the bed in the sleeper compartment of a

2007 Kenworth truck tractor. The male driver

was traveling on US-77N from Brownsville, TX,

to VA.

CBP, assisted by DPS 103, conducted a search along the coast and sea shore

for a possible wash-up narcotics drop. Agents had received information from a

citizen in regards to a large bundle that he had spotted on St. Joseph Island

several days earlier. The search covered all of St. Joseph island sea shore up to

Port O’Connor. No narcotics were located.

Matagorda Co SO seized 44.09 lbs of cocaine

that had washed up on Matagorda Beach. There

was a total of six bundles recovered. No

additional bundles were recovered and no

suspects identified. The bundles had a Batman

symbol and the letters “CD” on each package.


THP and Kleberg Co. SO, assisted by DPS 103, searched for two suspects who had bailed out

from a vehicle after a pursuit. The suspects were wanted in connection with a car-jacking that

occurred in Nueces Co. The area was searched by ground and air for more than two hours with

negative results. The suspects were later apprehended by when they were spotted coming out of

the brush by a Game Warden who was assisting at the scene.


USBP, assisted by DPS 103, attempted to locate three subjects who were reportedly

left behind from a larger group of suspected IAs in the vicinity of Sarita, TX. The

suspect had surrendered to authorities at the Checkpoint and reported that there were

three other persons, including a 9-yr-old male child, that were out in the brush several

miles west of the Checkpoint. Aircraft began assisting ground agents with searching.

The area was searched for two hours with negative results.

Kleberg Co So assisted by USBP seized

33.2 lbs of marijuana concealed in the

back seat of a 1994 Dodge Spirit. The

male driver was traveling on US-77N.

The point of origin and destination are

unknown.


THP Brooks Co seized 75.0 lbs of marijuana concealed inside the doors of a 1999 Dodge Ram

1500 pickup. The male driver was traveling on US-281N from McAllen, TX, to El Campo, TX.




Kleberg Co So assisted by USBP seized

50.6 lbs of marijuana concealed in the

spare tire storage compartment of a 2002

Hyundai Accent. The male driver was

traveling on US-77N from Weslaco, TX, to

an unknown destination.


Kingsville PD seized 8 lbs of cocaine concealed in the

transaxle assembly of a Ford Expedition SUV. The male driver

and male passenger were traveling on US-77N from

Tamaulipas, MX, to an unknown destination.

Packages of cocaine inside trans axle assembly.

Cocaine package

visible through

drain plug.


Coastal Bend JOIC’s Sector Assessment

Marijuana seizures showed a decrease in the Coastal Bend Sector over the last reporting

period from 348.23 lbs to 77.23 lbs. There was an increase in cocaine seizures from 0.34 lbs

to 52.19 lbs. One currency seizure totaling $526 USD was a significant decrease from last

week’s total of $195,322 USD. Pursuits, bailouts, and gang related arrests showed increases.

US-77N and US-281N were the locations of significant narcotic and currency seizures.

A review of the Falfurrias Checkpoint on US-281N indicated that between 29 SEP and 5 OCT

2011 there was 1,492.05 lbs of marijuana and 16.72 lbs of cocaine reported seized. This is

an increase from last week’s total of 922.3 lbs of marijuana and a decrease from last week’s

total of 37.05 lbs of cocaine reported seized. The Falfurrias Checkpoint reported three tractor

trailers were found with marijuana loads totaling 1,128.25 lbs attempting to pass through the

Checkpoint. One commercial bus was found with a marijuana load totaling 43.15 lbs

concealed in luggage.

A review of the Sarita Checkpoint on US-77N indicated 491.4 lbs of marijuana and no

cocaine reported seized. This was an increase from last week’s total of 333.80 lbs of

marijuana and a decrease from last week’s total of 7.2 lbs of cocaine reported seized. The

Sarita Checkpoint reported one tractor trailer was found concealing a total of 276.2 lbs of

marijuana. No commercial buses were found to be attempting to conceal contraband at the

Sarita Checkpoint during this period.

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

THP [Carson Co.] –• 102 lbs of marijuana – luggage;

Phoenix, AZ to Baltimore, MD.• 9.8 lbs of methamphetamine –

gas tank; Los Angeles, CA to Atlanta, GA.

• $51,470 USD – throughout entire vehicle; Arkansas to California.

THP [Waller Co.] –• 896 Hydrocodone tablets & 64 oz

cough syrup – backpack; Houston, TX to Austin, TX.

THP [Hill Co.] –• 6 lbs of marijuana – trunk; Fort

Worth, TX to Hillsboro, TX.

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo

StatewideCorridorSeizures

THP [Potter Co.] –• 5 lbs of crystal meth – bag on

floorboard; Phoenix, AZ to Oklahoma City, OK.

THP [Nacogdoches Co.] –• 23 lbs of marijuana – both rear

doors; Houston, TX to St. Louis, MO.

THP [San Jacinto Co.] –• 0.5 lbs of cocaine – body carry;

Houston, TX to Nacogdoches, TX.

THP [Lubbock Co.] –• 0.50 lbs of methamphetamine,

$5,100 USD & 1 handgun –residence in Ft. Worth, TX.

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

29 SEP 2011: With the assistance of Bastrop

Co SO, DPS-CID conducted a traffic stop on a

1996 Toyota 4-door, bearing TX registration.

Following a positive alert from the Travis Co SO

K-9 Unit, a probable cause search revealed

$137,381 USD, inside a false compartment

within the front frame rails. The origin and

destination of the cash was not disclosed.

3 OCT 2011: THP Amarillo conducted a traffic stop on a 2011 Nissan

Altima, bearing AZ registration. A consent to search was denied and

the K-9 Unit called to the scene. Following a positive alert, a probable

cause search revealed 5 lbs of crystal methamphetamine,

inside a bag on the right, rear floorboard. The meth was traveling

from Phoenix, AZ to Oklahoma City, OK.


3 OCT 2011: THP Panhandle conducted a traffic stop on a 2011Ford F-150, bearing CA

registration. A consent to search revealed eight bundles of methamphetamine, totaling

9.8 lbs, inside the gas tank. The meth was traveling from Los Angeles, CA, to Atlanta, GA.



SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICOSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICO



Five years after President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against Mexico's five main drug

cartels, the nation is now reportedly dominated by the Sinaloa Cartel and Los Zetas, who are

poised for a one-on-one battle to control drug markets and trafficking routes. The government's

success in killing or arresting some cartel leaders has fractured most of the other gangs to such an

extent that they have devolved into quarreling bands, or been forced to operate as subsidiaries of

the two main cartels. This has often meant expanded territory and business opportunities for Los

Zetas and Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's Sinaloa cartel. One or the other is present almost

everywhere in Mexico. In the city of Veracruz, 35 bound and tortured bodies were dumped onto a

main thoroughfare during the height of rush hour on 20 SEPT. The killers are presumed to be

aligned with the Sinaloa cartel, while the victims were apparently linked to the Zetas, who took hold

of Veracruz in 2010, which had historically been Sinaloa territory. When Calderon took office in DEC

2006, he launched the government's first broad attempt to fight the cartels, deploying thousands of

soldiers to capture cartel members and dismantle the organizations. The new alignment may make

it easier for government forces to target the two big cartels, as opposed to fighting half a dozen of

them. The question is whether the Sinaloa cartel and Zetas are going to break at some point or not.

Both the "mega" cartels want to control seaports for shipping drugs from South and Central

America, and border towns, for getting the drugs into the US. Sinaloa has long been based on the

country's northwest Pacific coast, with occasional incursions farther east along the border. In recent

years, it has spread both east and south, reaching into Central America. Los Zetas, once confined

to a stretch of the northern Gulf coast, have grown the most, pushing into central Mexico and as far

south as Guatemala.

Los Zetas vs. Sinaloa cartel

Leader of Los Zetas -

Heriberto Lazcano

Leader of Sinaloa –

Joaquin Guzman


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Heriberto_lazcano.jpg


Los Zetas vs. Sinaloa cartel (con’t): strategy and operations

Sinaloa Cartel

Strategy –

• Known for forging temporary alliances

• Try to portray themselves as protectors of the

public

Operations –

• Focused on the drug business

• Less randomly violent – hits are carried out in a

more targeted and covert fashion

• More discreet appearance, favoring ski masks and

black clothing

• Hierarchical and compact

Los Zetas

Strategy –

• Prefer direct control of territory over forging

alliances

• Control the public by fear through threats and

violence

Operations –

• Involved in a variety of crimes including human

trafficking/smuggling and cyber crime, in addition

to the drug trade

• Engage in violence so brutal authorities have

called the cartel "irrational”

• Often dress in fake military gear, and have erected

military-style training camps

• Organization is compartmentalized and cell-based

Similarity:

Both cartels have been known to launch "spoiler" attacks, aimed at making trouble on an opponent's turf,

even though they have little chance of truly encroaching on it. They have sometimes even launched

"poison" attacks on civilians on an opponent's turf, hoping the rival will be blamed. By “heating up the

plaza”, the cartels hope to provoke a Mexican Government response in their rival’s territory.

TamaulipasSinaloa



Significant events in Mexico (cont)

CHIHUAHUA – On 02 OCT 2011, the Federal Attorney

General's Office, through its delegation in Chihuahua,

opened a preliminary investigation following the location and

destruction of more than nine tons of marijuana plants

located near the town of Namiquipa, Chihuahua. Using aerial

and ground surveys conducted over two days, agents of the

Federal Public Ministry, assisted by the Federal Police,

located a total of nine tons of marijuana growing in an area

approximately three acres in size. The plants were an

average height of five feet. Representative samples were

taken as evidence by personnel of the Attorney General's

Office, then the agents proceeded to eradicate the crop

which was later destroyed by incineration. Namiquipa,

Chihuahua, lies 412 m (256 miles) southwest of Cd. Juarez.Namiquipa, Chihuahua (B), lies 256

miles southwest of Cd. Juarez (A)

CD. JUÁREZ – On 01 OCT 2011, Agents of

the Mexican Federal Police stopped a

suspicious vehicle at the intersection of

Melón and Papaya streets in colonia El

Granjero. The Mercury Tracer driven by

José Francisco Cano Martínez, 42,

displayed unknown Texas license plates.

Inside the vehicle were 17 suitcases

containing 1,816 bricks of marijuana,

weighing 882 kg. Vehicle and marijuana seized by Federal

Police

José Francisco Cano Martínez,

aka “El Pitzero” is originally from

Irapuato, Guanajuato.


CD. JUÁREZ – On 30 SEP 2011, the burned body of a

man who had been tortured and killed was located in a

field near Rosevel and Carrara streets in the El

Mármol sub-division on the south side of the city.

CD. JUÁREZ – On 30 SEP 2011, The semi-nude body of a

man was dumped from a moving vehicle at kilometer 23 of

the Casas Grandes Highway. The man had been tortured

and shot to death. A narco-message was written on the

victim’s back.


CD. JUÁREZ – On 02 OCT 2011, the body of a

young man was discovered in a vacant lot near

Osorno and Valle de Anáhuac streets in colonia

Lomas del Valle. The man had been beaten severely

before he died.




CD. JUÁREZ – On 01 OCT 2011, a man was shot and killed

while driving in a KIA Sorrento with TX plates CX6-N792.

The homicide occurred in a supermarket parking lot following

a high speed pursuit by his attackers along Tecnológico

Avenue that ended in the parking lot.

CD. JUÁREZ – On 02 OCT 2011, the semi-nude body of a

woman who had been tortured, raped, then shot to death

was found in a vacant lot near the intersection of Refugio

de la Libertad and Santiago Troncoso streets in colonia

Fray García de San Francisco. The body was partially

wrapped in a blanket.

CD. JUÁREZ – On 03 OCT 2011, a Cd. Juárez Municipal

Police Officer was shot and killed while fleeing from his

attackers in his Ford Expedition. The vehicle came to a stop

near the intersection of Francisco Díaz and Francisco Villa

streets in colonia 15 de Enero. He is the 30th municipal

officer killed in Cd. Juárez this year.



The number of DTO-related

homicides in Cd Juárez and

surrounding communities for

this reporting period is 37.

There have been a total of 21

DTO-related homicides for the

month of OCT, bringing the

total to 1,606 for the year and

8,982 DTO-related homicides

since 2008.Figures as of 2400 hours 04 Oct 2011 0

200

400

263

147

240205

262313 291

339288

352

190221

DTO Related Deaths Juarez MX 2010

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

0

200

400

222 231183 171 151 156

216

117 138

21

DTO Related Deaths Juarez MX 2011

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec


CD. JUÁREZ – On 30 SEP 2011, Municipal Police Chief Julián

Leyzaola Pérez fired four commanders of the Municipal Traffic

Department (TRANSITO) for loss of trust and numerous reports

from agents that the commanders allegedly demanded a daily

quota of speeding tickets and money paid as bribes by the public.

TRANSITO commanders were fired

for demanding a daily quota of

speeding tickets and bribe money.


CD JUÁREZ - On 30 SEP 2011, two Texas citizens (USCs) were among four people

killed when gunmen attacked a 2004 Dodge Durango which displayed TX registration

BK5H407. The incident took place at Eje Vial Juan Gabriel and Zaragoza Blvd. There

is no known motive for the shooting at this time and no known suspects.

DECEASED

Rosa Williams

SSN: 634-86-4521

DOB: 02/07/1976

TXDL: 33375372

TXID: 33375357

VEH TX-BK5-H407

DECEASED

Paulo Noe Williams

SSN: 634-86-4522

DOB: 02/15/1992

TXDL: 34947974

Facebook URL:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/paulo.williams11


GUADALAJARA - Mexican Federal police seized 99.4

kilograms of pseudoephedrine and methamphetamine from

the interior of four cylindrical cardboard containers at the

Guadalajara International Airport, in Jalisco. The containers in

question had been shipped from Tijuana, Baja California (via

order number AQ01-27880403). The packages were bound for

Culiacan, Sinaloa on flight AMX2120.

On 03 OCT, a USC was

shot and killed in Cd.

Juárez while driving a

sedan with Chihuahua

LPs in the Jardines del

Bosque area. A police

search of the incident

area returned 16 bullet

casings from an assault

rifle. The purpose of the

deceased individual’s

presence in Cd. Juárez

is unknown.

http://www.facebook.com/



NUEVO LEON - Mexican authorities detained 175 police for suspected

links to organized crime in the northern state of Nuevo Leon. The arrests

took place in the municipalities of Apodaca, Pesqueria, Mina, and Santa

Catalina. Nuevo Leon, which has been hit by increasing levels of drug

violence, is instituting a new civil police force who will take over the duties

of the armed forces currently in place to fight organized crime. Local and

state police in Mexico are widely thought to be more susceptible to

corruption from criminal groups because of low pay. At least 7 of the 82

Apodaca police officers detained are being investigated for the 04 AUG

2011 murder of a man who allegedly was detained for spying on the

officers. After the alleged detention, the man disappeared and was later found dead with three gunshot

wounds. The Mayor of Santa Cantarina, Gabriel Navarro, held a press conference on 03 OCT 2011 to

announce the termination of 261 police. In AUG, the Santa Cantarina police department consisted of 364

officers. Approximately 124 officers were relieved of their duties for failing to appear for vetting evaluations

on 14 SEPT. Approximately 66 officers were placed under investigation as a result of the vetting process,

and 48 failed. Additionally, 23 agents were suspended and eventually relieved of duties due to

administrative processes. As of 04 OCT 2011, the municipality has 61 active police officers and 42 transit

police who have passed vetting evaluations. The mayor said that for now, security will be supplemented

by both military and Federal police forces.

CHIHUAHUA - Mexican forces arrested Noel Salgueiro Nevarez,

allegedly a top lieutenant of the Sinaloa Cartel and founder of the

cartel’s armed wing Gente Nueva. He is accused of running the

Sinaloa cartel's operations in the northern state of Chihuahua, where

drug violence is rampant. Defense officials said his arrest would

seriously weaken the cartel in Mexico and abroad. He was seized in a

carefully planned military operation, without a shot being fired. Gente

Nueva was formed in Veracruz state in 2007, and is known for bloody

incursions into rivals' territories.

Noel Salgueiro Nevarez



On 04 OCT 2011, Mexican police captured Martin Rosales Magana, one of the last

major leaders of the La Familia cartel (LFM), a pseudo-religious drug gang that has

been dismantled by arrests and killings. The head of the federal police anti-drug unit

stated Rosales Magana was trying to forge an alliance with Los Zetas to revive LFM.

The cartel has been displaced in its western home state of Michoacán by the equally

cult-like Los Caballeros Templarios (the Knights Templar). According to Mexican

officials, Rosales Magana plotted to lead 200 Zetas and LFM gunmen in an assault on

JALISCO - Mexican authorities in Zapopan, Jalisco captured Roberto Carlos Lopez Castro, aka El Toruño,

El Toro, and El Tolo, who is believed to be one of the four leaders of the Nuevo Leon-based Zetas cell

responsible for the 25 AUG 2011 arson attack on the Casino Royale. Lopez is a former police officer in the

northern city of Saltillo.

Apatzingan, a city in western Mexico now dominated the Knights Templar. LFM members met with Los

Zetas to ask for operational assistance, weapons and salaries (for gunmen) and expense money, in order

to recoup important cities held by the Knights Templar. Rosales Magana was trying to regroup the isolated

cells that were still operating, but the alliance with Los Zetas did not work. LFM traffickers no longer had

much access to the precursor chemicals used to make methamphetamine, one of their main source of

income.



GUERRERO - Citizens in the Guayameo village located in the Sirandaro de los

Chavez municipality of the Tierra Caliente Region in Guerrero are reporting that La

Familia Michoacana (LFM) is resorting to forced recruitment to fill their ranks. This

forced recruitment consists of LFM operators pulling young men from their houses,

and if they refuse to join them, (or if the family members refuse to let them go) they

are killed. It is believed that this forced recruitment is a direct result of the internal

deterioration that the group has experienced over the course of the last few months due to the arrests of

key leaders within the organization, and the fact that some of their previous members have aligned with

Los Caballeros Templarios. Despite their decline, they are continuing to fight for control of the Guerrero

plaza against groups to include La Barredora and The Devil’s Command (groups that work at the service

of the Sinaloa Cartel), the Beltran Leyva organization, Los Zetas, and the Independent Cartel of Acapulco.

Cartels to include Los Zetas, La Resistencia, the New Generation Cartel of Jalisco, and LFM are known to

outsource recruitment to gangs who work within their ranks. Larger groups including the Sinaloa and Gulf

Cartels not only outsource recruitment, but also pay gangs working for them to train up their new recruits.

TIJUANA - Mexican forces in Otay Mesa, Tijuana, seized 787 lbs of cocaine,

the largest seizure to date. One vehicle with Baja plates, and $22,430 USD

were seized as well, but no arrests were made, and no mention of who the

shipment belonged to. Less than two weeks ago, a similar operation captured

510 lbs of cocaine, and one man, allegedly in the service of the Sinaloa

Cartel. It's probable that the most recent cocaine seizure also belonged to

Sinaloa. Because of the way it was presented, and the location found, it's

likely this shipment was to be sent across the border, and not used for

domestic sales in the city. A portion of a shipment like this would remain in

San Diego and surrounding counties, with a majority headed for destinations

like Los Angeles, and further north. Also, the cocaine had not yet been

processed, or 'cut,' further indicating it was headed across the border.



MEXICO CITY - On 03 OCT 2011, two severed heads were found outside the Mexican

Defense Ministry (SEDENA) in Mexico City with a note proclaiming the “new administration” of

a new cartel. Mexico City has long been spared from the increasingly brutal violence that

some drug cartels have characterized as their signature mark. One decapitated head was left

Message Text:

We steal, assault and extort in the Hand with Eyes territory. This is for those who deny our presence in the

metropolitan area and so that you know the "plaza" has not been forgotten. Signed: The New Generation

of Chapo Guzman and the Hand with Eyes.

on the pavement of a busy road that many Mexican generals frequent, the other left on the roof of a car.

Both heads were discovered across from the army’s headquarters at Military Camp 1. This incident is the

first multiple decapitation in the capital since JAN 2008, when two heads were found near the city’s

international airport. There was also a note by the heads, signed by the La Mano con Ojos gang (Hand

with Eyes), a splinter organization from the Beltran Levya cartel (BLO). The message warned that the

“Mano con Ojos” is a “new administration” operating in Mexico City and the areas of Huixquilucan,

Atizapán, Tultitlán, Cuautitlán and Izcalli. Mano con Ojos gang formed after the 2010 arrest of Edgar

Valdez, aka “La Barbie,” a top assassin for the BLO. The alleged leader of the “La Mano Con Ojos”, Oscar

Osvaldo García Montoya, 36, a former Mexican marine, was arrested in AUG and confessed to

prosecutors that he was involved in over 600 killings. The current leadership of the gang in unknown.




GUERRERO - With the familiar vigilante message reminiscent of previous banners hung in Michoacán,

Los Caballeros Templarios (CT) announced their entry on 28 SEPT 2011 into Guerrero's Costa Grande

tourist zone of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. In all, three banners were hung from pedestrian overpasses over

thoroughfares in the city of Zihuatanejo. On 02 OCT 2011, the CT followed up on their pledge with the

murder and public display of seven men that banners left at the scene identified as criminals preying on

the public. The men, discovered at a bus stop on the highway connecting Zihuatanejo to the beach resort

if Ixtapa, died of multiple gunshot wounds. All were tied together by their legs. The Costa Grande is the

Pacific coast region that extends from the border of Michoacán to the outskirts of Acapulco. This area of

Guerrero with a history of violence has recently descended into a state of extreme lawlessness with

shootouts, murders, kidnappings and robberies, especially in the areas around the municipalities of

Petatlan and Tecpan de Galeana. The criminals may be remnants of Beltran Leyva cells, known as

"pelones," once controlled by Édgar Valdez Villarreal "La Barbie," and loyal LFM members. There are

rumors that the fight by the CT for the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo plaza is the first step in a bid to takeover

organized crime and drug trafficking in the Costa Grande and Acapulco.

Caballeros

Templarios -

“We do not kill

innocents, only

those that hurt the

people will die”


TAUMAULIPAS - Mexican soldiers discovered an

underground bunker with more than a ton of marijuana

in the town of Rancherias just outside Miguel Aleman.

Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA)

reported that soldiers were on patrol when they made

the discovery. Soldiers found 123 bundles with

approximately 2,563 lbs of marijuana hidden

underground. No arrests have been made but soldiers

reported that the marijuana is being held as evidence

by authorities.


MONTERREY - A State police agent who was on vacation

was attacked by a group of armed men in the Loma Linda

Colonia in Monterrey. The agent was traveling in a black

BMW with expired license plates when he was executed in

his car. The agent has only been identified as Ricardo. An

investigation by authorities led to the apprehension of two

men suspected of being involved in the shooting just outside

of the Topo Chico prison.


UPDATES & ASSESSMENT

OPERATION BORDER STAR


Absconds 6

Bailouts 11

Criminal Arrests 187

Fugitive Arrests 74

Gang-Related Criminal Arrests 51

Pursuits 12

Scouts/Decoys 2

Caltrops 0

Splashdowns 0


IAs/Referrals 67

IAs/USBP 2,348

OTMs 777

OTM Countries

Belize 1

Bolivia 1

China 4

Columbia 7

Costa Rica 5

Cuba 1


Ecuador 12

Egypt 1

El Salvador 212

Guatemala 230

Honduras 253

India 11

Indonesia 1

Nicaragua 18

Peru 3

Sri Lanka 1

St. Lucia 1

Vietnam 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 275.58 lbs

Heroin 42.11 lbs


Currency $503,058.00

WeaponsHandgun(s) 7

Long Gun(s) 2


Stolen 21

Recovered 27

Combined totals from all Unified Commands during this reporting period:

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

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

methamphetamine.



OBS Weekly Assessment

Total Marijuana seizures were 27,871.55 lbs this week, a decrease from 28,401.65

lbs last week. The largest single seizure occurred in the Rio Grande Valley Sector

where Starr Co SO seized 5,571 lbs of marijuana while executing a search warrant at

a residence in Rio Grande City. Also in the Rio Grande Valley Sector, Harlingen PD

Special Investigations Unit (SIU) encountered a unique smuggling method of 47.9 lbs

of marijuana in 12 bundles concealed using wax to look like large candles inside

shipping boxes. In the Del Rio Sector, USBP Agents at the USBP Del Rio Checkpoint,

US-277N, Val Verde Co, seized 423.9 lbs of marijuana from a 2003 Peterbilt 379 tractor towing a

chrome/stainless steel 1993 tank trailer. The BOSA has reported on eight incidences of tanker trailers

used to smuggle marijuana, but this is the first occurrence in the Del Rio Sector and the smallest amount

seized. The majority of tanker trailer seizures have occurred at the Falfurrias Checkpoint with an average

load of 3,700 lbs of marijuana. The total estimated street value for reported marijuana seizures during this

reporting period is $15.4 million.


0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

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Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Marijuana (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

32,075.16

28,401.6426,887.22 27,871.55

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

14-Sep-11 21-Sep-11 28-Sep-11 5-Oct-11

Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View

Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average

2011 Weekly Average


Air compressors/propane tanksTo date, the BOSA has reported on a total of six seizures involving air compressors/propane tanks: two

in the RGV Sector, one on IH-37 near Jourdanton (originating out of RGV), one in the Marfa Sector, one

on IH-30 near Sulphur Springs, TX, and one in Rosenberg, TX, on US-59.

RGV Sector: Cameron Co SO

211 lbs of marijuana

From a shipping warehouse.(Reported 06 MAY 2011)

02 MAR 2011:

THP Jourdanton - IH-37

160 lbs of marijuana

Edinburg, TX San

Antonio, TX.

Marfa Sector:

28 JAN 2011 - USBP

Agents in Presidio Co


20 AUG 2010: THP Sulphur

Springs - IH-30 near

Sulphur Springs, TX.

80 lbs of marijuana

Dallas, TX Memphis, TN.

RGV Sector: Brownsville PD

46.62 lbs of marijuana (This

week’s seizure)

18 AUG 2011: Rosenberg

PD Rosenberg, TX US-59

- A total of $432,000 USD

concealed within a 32-inch

television on the front seat

and in a propane tank in

the bed of a truck.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulrichards/6162684476/in/photostream


BOSA Revisited: Horse Trailers

Date Reported Location Seized

21 AUG 2011 HWY-83 Checkpoint - Webb Co 163.1lbs of marijuana – false compartment

03 JUN 2011 Victoria Co US-59 161.4 lbs marijuana

15 APR 2011 Marfa Sector – Presidio Co 1,209.2 lbs of marijuana

14 APR 2011 Waco US-35 646.43 lbs of marijuana

18 FEB 2011 Victoria Co US-59 Trailer with false compartment (no contraband found)

06 JAN 2011 Victoria Co US-59 147 lbs of marijuana

04 DEC 2010 Dallas $685,825 USD

19 NOV 2010 Laredo Checkpoint US-59 393.32 lbs of marijuana – false compartment

Since NOV 2010, the BOSA has reported on a

total of nine instances of smugglers utilizing

horse trailers to transport currency or marijuana.

This week’s is the first such instance reported in

the Del Rio Sector. During this reporting period,

USBP Agents on FM-2644 in Dimmit Co seized

498.5 lbs of marijuana concealed under the wood

flooring of a horse trailer pulled by a 2005

Chevrolet Silverado. There have been three

instances in Victoria Co on US-59 utilizing a false

compartment within the horse trailer.



OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)

Cocaine seizures were 275.58 lbs this week, an increase from 62.17 lbs last week. The largest single

seizure occurred in the Rio Grande Valley Sector where Cameron County SO SIU Deputy seized 65.04

lbs of cocaine from a vehicle as a result of a traffic stop on US-83 and Stuart Place Rd. in Cameron Co. In

the last two weeks, the El Paso Sector had two seizures involving a female subject concealing two

bundles of cocaine with a total weight of approximately 10 lbs concealed beneath the subject’s clothing (a

long skirt) and strapped to her thighs. The total estimated street value for reported cocaine seizures

totaled $8.1 million.

Heroin and methamphetamine seizures for this week’s reporting period total 42.11 lbs (valued at $1.7

million) and 64.55 lbs (valued at $2.5 million) respectively. In the Laredo Sector, Webb Co SO Deputies

seized 35.2 lbs of heroin within a battery that was located in the back of a 2011 GMC Penske Rental

Truck. In the Laredo Sector, CBP/ OFO officers at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge in seized 48.5 lbs of crystal

methamphetamine concealed within non-factory metal boxes behind the rear seat of a 2007 white Nissan

Altima. Over the last year, smuggling narcotics (predominately cocaine) in car batteries increased in

frequency and has been primarily observed in the Laredo and Rio Grande Valley Sectors.

0

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Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Cocaine (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

241.02

316.11

62.17

250.78

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Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View


2011 Weekly Average


OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)

Bulk currency seizures totaled $503,058 USD this week, an increase from $233,533 USD last

week. The largest single currency seizure occurred in the Rio Grande Valley Sector where McAllen

PD Officer seized $485,000 USD as a result of a traffic stop on a pickup in McAllen, TX.

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

and the criminal networks that support them of approximately $28.2 million.

Illegal alien apprehensions decreased from 2,351 last week to 2,348 this week. OTM

apprehensions increased from 698 last week to 777 this week. There were two ASIC

apprehensions in the El Paso Sector, one from Indonesia and one from Egypt.

959,918.00

1,696,900.00

233,533.10

503,058.00

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Currency Seizures ($) Short-Term View


2011 Weekly Average

$0

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Currency Seizures ($) Long-Term View

Currency Seizures (USD) Long-Term Trendline


Calexico, CA, Port of Entry:

GPS Tracker and Monitoring Device

On 14 SEPT 2011, US CBP Calexico, CA, POE

discovered a combined GPS tracking and audio

monitoring device in a vehicle that was seized

with 15 kg of cocaine. The cocaine was

concealed inside voids within the frame of a 2006

F-150 pickup. A subsequent search revealed a

GPS tracker and monitoring device inside the

dashboard. The microphone was mounted in the

dashboard center air vent. Concurrent intelligence

indicated that a Mexican DTO in that area has

been installing these devices in the vehicles it

uses to transport drugs across the border to track

them by GPS as well as eavesdrop on CBP

officers who may inspect and/or interdict them.

Longitudinal frame

member in which

cocaine packages were

hidden

View inside of longitudinal

frame member

Ropes were attached to

the cocaine to pull them

out of the frame



Los Ebanos/Avacado Landing that contained a Rock River Beowulf

.50 rifle and over 8,500 rounds of ammunition and other

rifles/pistols. The advertised uses for the .50 Beowulf AR-15

conversion include an emphasis on stopping vehicles at

checkpoints. With the cartel conflict in Mexico seeing

numerous impromptu cartel checkpoints and vehicle-on-vehicle

assault tactics, the use of this cartridge may signify the cartel

looking for ballistic solutions designed at stopping vehicles

quickly through force.

.22

3

.50

BEO

.50 BEOWULF damage on vehicle engine compartment.5

0 B

EO

The .50 Beowulf AR-15 cartridge is seeing an increasing use in MX, including a conflict on 7-16-

2011 in Matamoros with CDG elements where a .50 Beowulf (SN#BEO2374) was recovered, and an

incident where CBP captured a southbound boat at


BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTERTEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

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

Fax: 512-424-7041

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

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

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

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