Reporting Period: 13 19 JUL 2011 - WikiLeaks BOSA.pdf · Reporting Period: 13 –19 JUL 2011. ... Comanche Hood Bosque Somervell Hamilton Kimble Mason Mills San Saba Blanco Burnet

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

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

Reporting Period: 13 – 19 JUL 2011


Key Events and Findings

• In the RGV Sector, Cameron Co has had three seizures since APR 2011 of wooden crates

concealing marijuana found at commercial freight company warehouses.

• Since MAR 2011, there have been a total of four cocaine seizures, all with the same wrapping

and the words ―NO TOCAR‖ – Spanish for ―Do No Touch.‖ Two seizures occurred in the US,

one at the Eagle Pass POE and one in Ellis Co, and two seizures in Mexico, Coahuila, and

Nuevo Leon.

• The largest single cocaine seizure occurred in the RGV Sector where USBP Agents at the

Falfurrias Checkpoint seized 203 lbs of cocaine in the headliner of a Freightliner truck.

• Although seat concealments are not uncommon, there has been an increase in the use of this

method in the last several months. Two recent seizures involved electronically controlled

compartments in the back car seats.

• The largest single currency seizure occurred in the Coastal Bend Sector where THP Kleberg Co

seized $116,260 USD concealed in juice packages in a 2010 Jeep Patriot SUV traveling on US-

77S from Baytown to Matamoros, MX.

• On 12 JUL 2011, Mexican soldiers discovered the largest marijuana plantation ever detected in

Mexico, covering almost 300 acres and owned by Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin Guzman, aka

―El Chapo.‖ On 18 JUL 2011, authorities discovered a second marijuana plantation linked to the

Sinaloa cartel in Nuevo Casas Grandes, MX.

WARNING

Page 79 contains graphic images of victims who have succumbed to the environment while attempting to illegally enter the U.S.


287

287

27

Dallam Lipscomb

Hemphill

Potter Gray

Parmer

Cochran

Yoakum

Hall

Hale Motley

LubbockDickens

Andrews

King

Terry

ShermanHansford Ochiltree

Hutchinson

Wheeler

Randall Armstrong Donley

CastroBriscoe

Childress

Cottle

Hardeman

Foard

Hartley Roberts

OldhamCarson

Deaf SmithCollingsworth

Bailey

Swisher

Lamb Floyd

HockleyCrosby

Gaines

Knox

Lynn GarzaKent Stonewall

Jeff Davis

Reeves

Loving Winkler

Ward

Ector

Dawson

Martin

Zavala

UvaldeKinney

Edwards

Brewster

La Salle

Dimmit

Starr

Bowie

CassCam

p

Titus

Fra

nklin

Mo

rris

Rains Marion

KaufmanHarrison

PanolaGregg

Rusk

Bell

WilliamsonMilam

Sabine

Trinity

UpshurWood

Van Zandt

NavarroHill

Cherokee

Freestone

McLennan

Falls

Shelby

Nacogdoches

San

Augustine

Jasper

Jefferson

Tyler

Walker

Polk

Robertson

Madison

Brazos

Hardin

San Jacinto

Grimes

Liberty

Chambers

Montgomery

Burleson

Lee

Ellis

Goliad

BeeLive Oak

Duval

Jim Hogg

Henderson

Anderson

Leon

Limestone

Travis

Hays

Comal

Houston

Angelina

Newton

Orange

Cooke Grayson Fannin

CollinDentonHunt

Lamar

Delta

Hopkins

Dallas

Red River

Rockwall

Nolan

Baylor

Jones Shackelford Stephens

Archer

Young

Taylor

Haskell Throckmorton

Callahan

Howard

Borden Parker

Erath

Palo Pinto

Montague

Clay

Wichita

Wilbarger

WiseJack

Upton

BrownColeman

RunnelsCoke

SterlingGlasscock

Midland

Crane

Menard

McCulloch

Concho

Sutton

Schleicher

Tom Green

Crockett

Pecos

Irion

Reagan

Comanche

Hood

Bosque

Somervell

Hamilton

Kimble

Mason

Mills

San Saba

Blanco

Burnet

Lampasas

Johnson

Gillespie

Terrell

Llano

Coryell

Tarrant

Washington

Fayette

Lavaca

Colorado

Austin

Fort Bend

Brazoria

HarrisBastrop

Matagorda

Kerr

Real

Bexar

Wilson

Karnes

Caldwell

Gonzales

DeWitt

Waller

Kendall

Atascosa

Frio

Medina

Bandera

Galveston

Fisher

Scurry

Mitchell

Culberson

Webb

Jeff Davis

Val VerdePresidio

Moore

Dona Ana

Luna

Grant

Hidalgo

Eastland

Guadalupe

Jim Wells

Willacy

Kenedy

Cameron

Wharton

Jackson

Victoria

Refugio

San Patricio

Nueces

Kleberg

Brooks

Hudspeth

Otero

HudspethEl Paso

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

El Paso Sector

p. 05-17

Marfa Sector

p. 18-22

Del Rio Sector

p. 23-33

Laredo Sector

p. 34-44Rio Grande

Valley Sector

p. 45-60

Coastal Bend

Sector

p. 61-72

Statewide Corridor Seizures

p. 73-79

Overall Assessment

p. 100-108

Sig. Mexico Events

p. 80-99

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

Operation BORDER STAR 13 – 19 JUL 2011


EL PASO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 2011

EL P

AS

O

H U

D S

P E

T H


UNIFIED COMMAND MEMBERS

Horizon City PD

Ysleta Del Sur Tribal PD

El Paso ISD PD

University of Texas El Paso PD

El Paso Community College PD

El Paso Office of Emergency

Management

Texas Tech University PD

Texas Comptroller of Public

Accounts

Texas Attorney General, El Paso

Union Pacific Railroad PD

Texas Alcoholic Beverage

Commission

El Paso County Constables

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

Full Map/Table of Contents

N E W M E X I C O


El Paso SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds --

Bailouts --

Criminal Arrests 92

Fugitive Arrests 47

Gang Related Criminal Arrests 11

Pursuits 3

Scouts/Decoys --

Illegal Alien Apprehensions

IAs/Referrals --

IAs/USBP 186

OTMs 13

Honduras 2

OTM Countries

El Salvador 3

Guatemala 4

North Korea 1

South Korea 1

Lebanon 1

China 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 1,740.92 lbs

Cocaine 34.74 lbs

Heroin 0.58 lbs

Methamphetamine --

Currency --

OtherHydrocodone (31 pills),

Ecstasy (15 pills),

Unidentified (40 pills)

Weapons

Handgun(s) 7

Long Gun(s) --

Explosive(s) --

Vehicles Stolen / Recovered

Stolen 23

Recovered 5


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

$3,475

$0 $0 $0$0

$500

$1,000

$1,500

$2,000

$2,500

$3,000

$3,500

$4,000

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Currency Seizures

1,371.37

2,006.64

1,019.32

1,740.92

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

El Paso UC Marijuana Seizures

97.18

55.43

31.03

34.74

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

El Paso UC Cocaine Seizures

167

199

183

186

150

160

170

180

190

200

210

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

El Paso UC Illegal Aliens


Twelve gang-related incidents were reported during this period involving sixteen arrests of

members from nine different gangs. There were eleven criminal arrests and five fugitive arrests.

The incidents involved: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Controlled

Substance, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Assault on a Public Servant, Failure to Identify/

Give False Information, Resisting Arrest, Give False Information, and Criminal Trespass.

Bloods Lopez Maravilla Barrio Azteca Insane Vice Lords

Folk Surenos Brown Pride West Side Locos

Crips

Gang activity for the week of 14 JUL 2011 thru 20 JUL 2011

Lopez Maravilla used to fly Sureno colors, however they

were allowed to separate themselves from the Sureno sets

and started using green as their color. The El Paso PD gang

database shows approximately 52 confirmed Lopez Maravilla

members.

Brown Pride is a Sureno set located

throughout El Paso. The El Paso PD

gang database shows approximately 19

confirmed members.


52.69 lbs of marijuana

2009 Toyota Scion

Concealment: Doors and

quarter panels

CBP Officers at the Bridge of the Americas

13 JUL 2011

15 JUL 2011


1993 Dodge Caravan

Concealment: Firewall


2000 Ford F-150

Concealment: Mattress in

bed of pickup




Concealment: Frame of an empty cement hopper car

CBP Officers at the Bridge of the Americas (Railroad Inspection Detail)

13 JUL 2011




Concealment: False compartment built into the undercarriage of a boxcar

CBP Officers at the Bridge of the Americas (Railroad Inspection Detail)

and BNSF Railroad Police

15 JUL 2011



CBP Officers at the Paso del Norte POE

0.015 lbs of marijuana and 0.57 lbs of heroin

1997 Toyota Camry

Concealment: Subject’s clothing (groin area)

17 JUL 2011

34.72 lbs of cocaine

2007 Chevrolet Uplander

Concealment: Gas tank

16 JUL 2011


2002 Chrysler Sebring

Concealment: Four doors,

dashboard, rear bumper,

back seat and firewall



CBP Officers at the Ysleta POE


1978 Chevrolet Nova

Concealment: Rocker panels, front quarter

panels

15 JUL 2011



CBP Officers at the Columbus, NM, POE


1997 Dodge Ram pickup

Concealment: False floor compartment in the

truck bed; side panels in the cab area

15 JUL 2011

CBP Officers at the Bridge of the Americas POE

17 JUL 2011


2003 Jeep Liberty

Concealment: Rear quarter

panels, floor of cargo area



Additional information (cont)

On 13 JUL 2011, El Paso CID agents recovered 24 stolen

vehicles from Mexico. The property value of the vehicles

recovered was set at $391,875 USD

For the week ending on 16 JUL 2011, the Border

Auto Theft Information Center (BATIC) received

3,357 inquiries/callers requesting information on suspicious

vehicles. The BATIC Specialists responded affirmatively to 49 of

these calls with stolen vehicle information being forwarded to the

requesting officers. For the week, seven vehicles were returned

back to the US with a property value calculated at $92,675 USD

On 16 JUL 2011, an El Paso PD Officer stopped a 1998 blue Ford Expedition driven by Mario

Reynoso, with Angela Viscaino as a passenger. A check of the vehicle revealed that it had been

reported stolen on 14 JUL 2011. Further investigation revealed that Reynoso and Viscaino had

worked together to take the vehicle from the owner. The El Paso PD Auto Theft Task Force

assisted with the investigation and both subjects were charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor

Vehicle. Recovered 1998 blue Ford

Expedition

Angela

VISCAINO

DOB

01/21/1981

Mario

REYNOSO

DOB

07/09/1978


El Paso JOIC’s Sector Assessment

City-wide index crime continues to show a decreased rate

of 8% as compared to the same time frame last year.

There is a noted 1,300% increase (14) in murders, a 30%

increase (29) in sexual assaults, a 2% decrease (5) in

robberies, a 4% decrease (228) in assaults, a 9%

decrease (96) in burglary, a 11% decrease (846) in

larceny, a 16% decrease (146) in vehicle theft, and a 3%

(44) decrease in vehicle burglary.Population of El Paso: 649,121 (2010 Census)

Population El Paso City and County: 700,000

Population figures do not reflect the individuals fleeing Cd.

Juarez to El Paso due to the on going DTO Violence

Murder, 1Sexual Aslt, 96

Robbery, 245

Aslt, 6,288

Burglary, 1,032

Larceny , 7,589

Veh Theft, 893

*Burg Vehicle , 1,390

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City Wide for week ending 16 Jul 2010

Murder, 14

Sexual Aslt, 125

Robbery, 240

Aslt, 6,060

Burglary, 936

Larceny , 6,743

Veh Theft, 747

*Burg Vehicle , 1,346

Murder

Sexual Aslt

Robbery

Aslt

Burglary

Larceny

Veh Theft

*Burg Vehicle

City Wide for week ending 16 Jul 2011

Citywide (YTD through Jul 16th 2011)

Offense 2010 2011 % Change

Murder 1 14 1,300%

Sexual Aslt 96 125 30%

Robbery 245 240 -2%

Aslt 6,288 6,060 -4%

Burglary 1,032 936 -9%

Larceny 7,589 6,743 -11%

Veh Theft 893 747 -16%

*Burg Vehicle 1,390 1,346 -3%

Total: 16,144 14,865 -8%

*** Crime Rate: 2,504 2,306 -8%


The El Paso Sector experienced increases in the seizures of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and assorted

pills. There were no reported seizures of currency or methamphetamine during this reporting period.

There was an decrease in the number of reported stolen vehicles. El Paso PD and/or El Paso Co SO

reported five recovered stolen vehicles.

Of the total 1,729 lbs of marijuana seized at the POEs: 778 lbs was seized at the Bridge of the Americas

POE, 177 lbs at the Ysleta POE, 97 lbs at the Paso Del Norte POE, 259 lbs at Santa Teresa POE, and

415 lbs in the Lordsburg area. There were 17 reported marijuana seizures across the POEs, and one

cocaine seizure at Paso Del Norte POE totaling 34.72 lbs. The El Paso PD reported eight marijuana

seizures totaling 11.54 lbs, and five cocaine seizure totaling 0.021 lbs.

The predominate concealment methods during this reporting period were the use of quarter panels (4),

and two incidents each of the following: fuel tanks, firewall, bumper, rail car, vehicle tires and vehicle floor.

There was one incident each involved the use of a vehicle rear seat, dashboard, rocker panels, and

vehicle cargo area.

During this reporting period, 186 IAs were apprehended. IA apprehensions increased by 3 from the

previous week’s 183. Total reported IA apprehensions within the El Paso Sector from 5 JAN through 12

JUL 2011 were 6,503, with 426 being Other Than Mexican (OTM).

El Paso Unified Command Sector Assessment (cont)

From 6/30 – 7/05 (17 OTM Apprehensions)From 7/06 – 7/12 (09 OTM Apprehensions)From 7/13 – 7/19 (13 OTM Apprehensions)

Leading IA OTM’s from 5 JAN to DateGuatemala 116

Honduras 74El Salvador 64Brazil 43India 26

HONDU, 18

ELSAL, 6

ECUAD, 2

GUATE, 23

KENYA, 1

URUGU, 1

VIETN, 2

N KOREA, 1 S KOREA, 1 CHINA, 1

LEBAN, 1

HONDU

ELSAL

ECUAD

GUATE

KENYA

URUGU

VIETN

N KOREA

S KOREA

CHINA

LEBAN

OTM Apprehensions between 23 JUN - 19 JUL 2011


H U D S P E T H

P E C O S

T E R R E L L

C U L B E R S O N

J E F F D A V I S

B R E W S T E R

R E E V E S

MARFA UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 2011


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

USBP CBP - OFO ICE NPSWest TX HIDTATMFTPWDDPSBrewster CO SO Culberson CO SO

P R E S I D I O

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


Marfa SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds --

Bailouts --

Criminal Arrests 67

Fugitive Arrests 1

Gang Related Criminal Arrests --

Pursuits --

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 1

IAs/USBP 26

OTMs 2

OTM CountriesGuatemala 1

Tajikistan 1

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 4.04 lbs

Cocaine --

Heroin --

Methamphetamine 0.01 lbs

Currency --

Other

Hashish (0.04 lbs),

Psilocybin Mushrooms (0.18lbs),

Ambien (49.5 pills),

Xanax (73 pills),

2 Hydrocodone (2 pills),

99 Credit Cards

Weapons

Handgun(s) 3

Long Gun(s) --

Explosive(s) --


Stolen 0

Recovered 0


Marfa SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$0

$24,614

$0 $0$0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

$30,000

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Marfa UC Currency Seizures

1,708.92

691.17

888.54

4.040.00

200.00

400.00

600.00

800.00

1,000.00

1,200.00

1,400.00

1,600.00

1,800.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ized

Marfa UC Marijuana Seizures

0.08 0.00

4.84

0.000.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Marfa UC Cocaine Seizures

46

38

38

26

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Marfa UC Illegal Aliens


Southbound OperationsHudspeth Co SO held southbound operations in Hudspeth Co. Eight deputies were

involved in the operations. Activity information was not available.

Additional information

Sierra Blanca USBP Agents seized 0.41 lbs of marijuana,

two handguns, 99 pre-paid debit cards (all bearing different

names), two notebooks containing biographical

information of different individuals, and apprehended two

USCs at the IH-10 Checkpoint. The subjects and marijuana

were referred to Hudspeth Co SO for state prosecution. The

firearms were turned over to the ATF. The debit cards and

notebooks were turned over to the Secret Service.

Presidio Co SO with assistance from Marfa USBP Agents located two (2) USCs in Marfa,

attempting to burglarize a building. One subject was processed by PCSO for state

prosecution. The other subject was released.

On 16 JUL 2011, the body of a 24-year-old male from Chihuahua, Mexico, who died of a

heat stroke while traveling northward with four other illegal immigrants was found. When

he became ill and collapsed, two of his friends set out to get help while two others

stayed with him. Before they could return Victor Adan Orozco-Garcia passed away. His

friends covered him with rocks to protect him from predators. The two men who went in

search of help found and directed USBP to the location.


Marfa Unified Command Sector Assessment

The total marijuana seized this week decreased to 4 lbs in comparison to last week’s

888 lbs. Intelligence from federal, state, and local agencies indicates backpackers are still

delivering along US-90 in the Valentine area. Intelligence revealed that one group of backpackers

stashed their marijuana and returned to Mexico due to two of the backpackers suffering from

dehydration from the intense heat. This same group is supposedly returning this week to collect the

marijuana and deliver it. Ongoing investigations by area agencies confirm that loads of marijuana

have passed through the area and delivery completed. With the river levels at near record lows,

crossing the border almost anywhere in this area does not present the obstacle normally

encountered.

There was 0.01 lbs of methamphetamine seized this week. There was a seizure of 2 Hydrocodone

pills, 73 Xanax pills 49.5, and Ambien pills seized at the IH-10 Checkpoint in Hudspeth Co. All

other categories reported decreases or remained the same.

The 17-year-old NAFTA agreement has been renewed, and the US has signaled it will honor the

original agreement. Mexico will in turn eliminate its tariffs. The new agreement requires Mexican

trucks meet US standards in order to qualify for the permits needed to cross the border. In

Presidio, US CBP inspects 600-800 trucks a month, which will unlikely change with the new

agreement. A Customs spokesman said ―…the real point of impact is beyond the port of

entry/border zone.‖ ―Trucks going deeper into the US will have to be inspected again by USDOT.‖



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


DEL RIO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 2011


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

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



Del Rio SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 17

Bailouts 5

Criminal Arrests 15

Fugitive Arrests 11


Pursuits 1

Scouts/Decoys 4


IAs/Referrals 2

IAs/USBP 366

OTMs 182

Countries

El Salvador 34

Guatemala 23

Honduras 121

Nicaragua 3

Ecuador 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 59.8 lbs

Heroin --

Methamphetamine --

Currency $3,530

Other 60 Xanax pills

Weapons

Handgun(s) --

Long Gun(s) --

Tactical Vest 1


Stolen --

Recovered 2


Del Rio Sector

The Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$0 $0 $0

$3,530

$0

$500

$1,000

$1,500

$2,000

$2,500

$3,000

$3,500

$4,000

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Del Rio UC Currency Seizures

2,071.45

48.06

1,876.48

1,831.21

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Del Rio UC Marijuana Seizures

0.00 0.00

81.22

59.80

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Del Rio UC Cocaine Seizures

458

134

266

366

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Del Rio UC Illegal Aliens


Gang activityUSBP Agents observed a white 2003 Ford F-250 and a white 2003 Saturn Ion traveling in tandem

on US-57 in Batesville, TX. The Ford pickup matched the description of a vehicle that Zavala Co

SO was trying to locate. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Temple, TX. A Zavala Co SO

Deputy pursued the vehicles with the Agents following to assist. The Saturn overtook the Deputy

traveling at a high rate of speed. The pickup turned off US-57 in La Pryor, TX. The driver stopped

and bailed out at Matteson and Brewer Sts where he was apprehended the USBP Agent. The

Saturn continued on US-57 until it was stopped with spike strips deployed by Maverick Co SO at

US-57 and FM-481, approx. ¼ mile north of the US-57 USBP Checkpoint in Maverick Co. The

driver of the pickup is suspected of a gang affiliation with TANGO OREJON. Zavala Co SO took

custody of both subjects and vehicles.

Bailout location of

Ford F-250 in La Pryor

Pursuit of Saturn Ion and Ford F-250

start location (A), Pursuit of Ford F-250

ending with Bailout (B), Pursuit of Saturn

ion ending with spikes deployed (C)USBP Checkpoint

Pursuit Route


Gang activity

Right Arm Left arm

Indicative of Mexican Mafia

A Val Verde SO Deputy performed a traffic

stop on a red 2000 Ford Mustang on Leonel

Martinez Blvd at San Juan St, in Del Rio, TX.

A consensual search of the vehicle produced

negative results, but the subject had an

outstanding warrant for Possession of

Marijuana from the 63rd District Court of Val

Verde Co. He also had tattoos which

indicated affiliation with the MEXICAN

MAFIA and TEXAS SYNDICATE, but denied

association with either gang. The subject was

arrested and taken to the Val Verde Co

Correctional Facility.

Indicative of Texas Syndicate

Right shoulder

USBP, assisted by DPS Air 116, located three

suspected IAs heading towards Carrizo

Springs, TX. The three subjects were taken

into custody by USBP.


USBP Agents observed twelve subjects cross Frontera Rd, three miles south of the Del Rio Intl

Airport. Ten of the subjects were carrying large bundles, one subject was using night vision

goggles, and another was carrying a bundle and separated from the group. The individual with

the night vision goggles abandoned the group when the Agents were spotted. When the Agents

apprehended the subject, the remaining subjects stashed their bundles, and fled towards Mexico. The

Agents seized eight bundles containing 615.5 lbs (288 bricks) of marijuana. Four subjects, the

contraband, and the night vision goggles were turned over to the DEA.


A Dimmit Co Deputy Constable served search and

arrest warrants at a residence in the 900 blk of

Zimmerman St, Carrizo Springs, TX. During the course

of the search, the Deputy Constable located and seized

60 Xanax pills, 0.625 lb of marijuana, and $3,530

USD. One of the subjects, a convicted felon, was also

in possession of a tactical bullet-proof vest. Two

subjects were arrested and transported to the county

jail. USBP and the US Marshals Service assisted.

USBP Agents observed a 1999 Chrysler 300 parked on the river

road next to the Rio Grande, east of US-277, in Normandy, TX. The

Agents also observed three subjects load what appeared to be three

large sacks into the rear seat of the vehicle. When the three subjects

saw the Agents, they absconded back to Mexico. The driver of the

vehicle failed to yield, executed a U-turn and subsequently wrecked

the vehicle. Two juvenile subjects (1-USC and 1-MX) bailed out of

the vehicle, and were found attempting to hide in the brush. The

three sacks contained 240 lbs of marijuana. DPS-CID took custody

of the subjects and contraband. The vehicle was impounded.



Rounded seat

Packages under the seat cushion, layer

of cardboard over to conceal shape

Folded down rear seat, bundles in back

CBP-OFO Officers working the Del Rio POE referred a maroon 2004 Ford F-350 to

secondary inspection. At secondary inspection, Officers noticed the rear seat

seemed rounded, and a search of the seat revealed multiple bundles of marijuana. A

total of 53.93 lbs of marijuana were seized. The subject and marijuana were turned

over to ICE; the vehicle was impounded.


Additional informationCBP-OFO Officers, working Operation UNIFIED SURGE, discovered 59.8 lbs of

cocaine in the lead-lined rear quarter panels of a 2004 Dodge Durango at the

Eagle Pass POE #1. The subject claimed to have been in Mexico to visit a doctor,

but stated that he could not locate the desired physician, and decided to return

home to San Antonio. The subject displayed nervous behavior, and a K-9 alerted

to the rear quarter panels of the vehicle. ICE took custody of the subject and

contraband. The vehicle was impounded.

Tampered bolts

View of hidden compartment

in rear quarter panels

Close up of compartment – outside casing is ―lead‖


Three incidents of scouting were encountered:

1. On 12 JUL 2011, a Val Verde Co SO Deputy stopped a green 1998 Lexus LS400, on US-90 in

Val Verde Co.

2. On 14 JUL 2011, USBP Agents attempt to stop a white Chevrolet Tahoe in tandem with a 1999

Dodge Caravan; ending with a bailout on RR-674 in Kinney Co.

3. On 16 JUL 2011, a Kinney Co SO Deputy, assisted by USBP, stopped a red 2000 Nissan

Frontier at the intersection of FM-2523 and RR-3008. While interviewing the subject, he asked

the USBP Agent what type of rifles they carried and if they used License Plate Readers. The

subject stated to the Deputy that is was unusual to see them in the area.

1 2

3



Beginning with a

seizure in March,

there have been a

total of four

cocaine seizures

with the same

wrapping. Two of

the seizures were

in the US, one at

the Eagle Pass

POE and one in

Ellis Co. The other

two seizures were

in Mexico, one in

Coahuila and one

in Nuevo Leon.

The packages are

all wrapped in a

paper with the

words ―NO

TOCAR‖ –

Spanish for ―Do

No Touch.‖

TR

EN

D –

Sim

ila

r P

ac

ka

gin

g

28 APR 2011

61.1 lbs of cocaine

Eagle Pass POE, Bridge #2

Floor board false

compartment under the

center console

06 MAR 2011

62.9 lbs of cocaine

IH-35 in Ellis Co (originated out

of Eagle Pass)

Concealed in the gas tank

14 JUL 2011

286.6 lbs of cocaine

San Nicolas de los Garza,

Nuevo Leon

25 MAY 2011

2,204 lbs of cocaine

40 mi from Monclavo, Coahuila,

Mexico



Del Rio Sector Unified Command Sector Assessment

The weekly average for the Del Rio Sector from JAN 2011 to present is 1,865 lbs. This reporting

period, the Del Rio Unified Command reported 1,831.21 lbs. Of note, the largest marijuana seizure

of 615.5 lbs included the seizure of night vision goggles. There was 59.8 lbs of cocaine seized at

the Eagle Pass POE Bridge #2, in a lead-lined compartment, similar to last week’s 81.22 lbs of

cocaine seized from a lead-lined rocker panel. While separate incidents, both are indicators of

emerging techniques in an attempt to avoid detection.

Illegal Alien apprehensions were up again this week, and almost double that of two weeks ago.

This is unusual, as the sector normally sees a direct correlation between high IA apprehensions and

an increase in stolen vehicles recovered (which continues to be low). Pursuits (including failure to

yield incidents with USBP), bailouts, scouts/decoys, absconds, and fugitive arrests also increased.

The other areas remained the same, or had a reduction.

There continues to be calls from IAs to the USBP for assistance when they have become

dehydrated and/or disoriented while attempting to illegally enter the US.


W E B B

J I MH O G G

D U V A L

Z A P A T A

F R I O


LAREDO UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 2011


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



Laredo SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 6

Bailouts 6

Criminal Arrests 12

Fugitive Arrests 1


Pursuits 4

Scouts/Decoys --


IAs/Referrals 51

IAs/USBP 668

OTMs 224

OTM Countries

Brazil 1

China 4

Cuba 1

Dominican Republic 1

Ecuador 3

El Salvador 45

Guatemala 76

Honduras 78

India 7

Nicaragua 6

Peru 1

Sri Lanka 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 57.97 lbs

Heroin --

Methamphetamine --

Currency $1,100.00

Other: 700 Ecstasy pills,

550 ml Liquid Steroids

Weapons

Handgun(s) --

Long Gun(s) --

Grenades(s) --


Stolen --

Recovered --


Laredo SectorThe Unified Command statistics over the past 4 weeks:

$0 $0 $0

$1,100

$0

$200

$400

$600

$800

$1,000

$1,200

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Laredo UC Currency Seizures

2,187.15

2,092.10

2,809.80

3,681.45

0.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

3,500.00

4,000.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Laredo UC Marijuana Seizures

177.38

0.0211.40

57.97

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

140.00

160.00

180.00

200.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Laredo UC Cocaine Seizures

523

551

453

668

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

Laredo UC Illegal Aliens


Gang ActivityOn 15 JUL 2011, Jim Hogg Co SO Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a blue Dodge Caravan on TX-359

approximately one mile east of Hebbronville, TX. USBP Agents assisted in taking custody of the occupants,

which included one legal permanent resident, two adult USCs, 5 juvenile USCs, and two IAs. One of the

occupants was a male HERMANDAD DE PISTOLEROS LATINOS (HPL) gang member with prior Aiding and

Abetting Conviction. The vehicle was seized by Jim Hogg Co. SO. The subject was turned over to ICE.

On 16 JUL 2011, USBP Hebbronville Agents working at the TX-16 Checkpoint, Hebbronville, TX,

conducted an immigration inspection on a group of subjects. The agents arrested a male

MEXICAN MAFIA gang member for aiding and abetting.

Additional Information

On 11 JUL 2011, Webb Co Deputy observed a grey 2003 Ford Focus pull onto the median

between the Frontage Rd and Rio Bravo exit of US-83S. The driver bailed out and absconded.

The Deputy located 204.3 lbs of marijuana concealed within the trunk. No apprehensions

were made. The vehicle was seized.

On 13 JUL 2011, Webb Co Deputies arrested three subjects at the 5700 block of San Bernardo

St. in Laredo, TX, after subjects were observed dropping a large package at a delivery store.

Deputies search the package and discovered 12.5 lbs of marijuana. A silver 2002 Nissan

Altima was seized.

On 08 JUL 2011, Webb Co Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a white 2003 Chevrolet pickup

traveling on US-83N near Rio Bravo,TX. The vehicle made a u-turn, almost striking another

Deputy's unit, and proceeded to evade southbound. Laredo JOIC notified DPS and Zapata Co

SO of the pursuit and both agencies assisted. The vehicle crashed in Ramireno, TX, where the

driver attempted to flee on foot. The male subject was found to be in this country illegally and

was apprehended at the scene. Deputies discovered 600 lbs of marijuana in an external fuel

tank and in the bed of the vehicle. Webb Co arrested the subject and took possession of the

contraband. Zapata Co SO seized the vehicle.



On 14 JUL 2011, Jim Hogg CO SO assisted a Constable Unit on Kohler St in

Hebbronville, TX. A black 1997 Chevrolet 1500 pickup had parked at a residence on

Kohler St and the driver and passenger absconded from the vehicle. A search of the

vehicle revealed nine illegal aliens inside of the pickup. The vehicle was seized and the

IAs were turned over to USBP.

On 13 JUL 2011, Jim Hogg Co SO Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a maroon 1998

Chevy 1500 pickup, traveling on TX-359E, near Hebbronville, TX. A brief pursuit resulted

in a bailout. The driver and four subjects were apprehended. One subject absconded.

The driver and four subjects were turned over to USBP. Vehicle was seized.

On 13 JUL 2011, a THP Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2002 Ford pickup traveling on

TX-16. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle crashed through a fence where several subjects

absconded into the brush. Three male subjects were apprehended. Two duffel bags

containing 37.4 lbs of marijuana were located inside the vehicle. Subjects and

marijuana were turned over to CID and the vehicle was seized.

On 13 JUL 2011, a THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2002 Pontiac passenger

vehicle traveling on US-83N in Webb Co. Verbal consent to search was obtained and a

bundle of marijuana was discovered with a total weight of 7.45 lbs. The male driver was

arrested and vehicle was impounded.

On 15 JUL 2011, DPS CID Agents, assisted by Webb Co Deputies, executed

a consent to search of a residence located on Galisteo Rd, in Laredo, TX.

Subsequent search revealed 700 ecstasy pills, 300 ml Nadrolone

Decanoate, 250 ml Omnadren (both steroids), and $1,100 USD. One male

subject was arrested.



On 13 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo North Agents seized 429 lbs of marijuana

from the trunk of a 2003 BMW passenger vehicle at the IH-35 Checkpoint.

The male driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.

DRIVER:

Daniel Mikolajczyk

07/26/1967

On 13 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo North agents working by the TX-MX railroad bridge on Ventura St.

in Laredo, TX, seized 66.1 lbs of abandoned marijuana.

On 19 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo North Agents working the IH-35 Checkpoint initiated a secondary

inspection on a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by a female. The agents seized 58.9 lbs of marijuana

discovered inside two black duffle bags located inside the trunk of the vehicle. The driver and

marijuana were turned over to DEA.

On 18 JUL 2011, USBP Freer Agents working at the US-59 Checkpoint near Freer,

TX, initiated a secondary inspection on a Flecha Roja bus. The agents discovered

14.7 lbs of abandoned marijuana inside a black suitcase in the luggage cargo area.

The marijuana was turned over to DEA.

On 13 JUL 2011, CBP/OFO Officers seized 57.97 lbs of cocaine at the Gateway to

Americas Bridge in Laredo, TX. The cocaine was concealed within the seats of a grey

2008 Ford Fusion. The male driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.



On 13 JUL 2011, USBP Agents, while working at the

TX-16 Checkpoint in Hebbronville, TX, referred a brown

Ford F-350 pickup hauling a two-horse trailer for

secondary inspection due to a K-9 alert. After further

inspection of the trailer, a non-factory compartment was

found to contain 832.6 lbs of marijuana. The non

factory compartment was lead-lined. DEA assumed

custody of the contraband, vehicle, subject, and horse

trailer.

DRIVER:FlorentinoROSALES-

Garcia03/03/1974



On 18 JUL 2011, USBP Zapata Agents working the US-83

Checkpoint conducted a secondary inspection on a Valley

Transit Bus in Zapata, TX. A Service K-9 alerted to the

luggage compartment of the bus. A search of the

compartment revealed 8.7 lbs of marijuana inside six

vacuum-sealed bags within a black backpack, which no one

claimed. No arrests were made and the marijuana was

turned over to DEA.

On 19 JUL 2011, USBP Zapata Agents conducted a traffic stop on a grey 2002 Saturn off of US-83

near Dolores, TX. The vehicle suddenly turned down a dirt road where the driver bailed out and

absconded into the brush. The agents discovered 49.7 lbs of abandoned marijuana inside the

vehicle. The marijuana and the vehicle were turned over to DEA.

On 19 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo South Agents seized

335.6 lbs of abandoned marijuana on a ranch near

Laredo, TX. The marijuana was turned over to DEA.

On 20 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo South Agents seized four

bundles of abandoned marijuana, weighing a total of

182.3 lbs, near the riverbank outside of Laredo, TX. Agents

observed three subjects absconding back to Mexico. The

abandoned contraband was turned over to DEA.

On 18 JUL 2011, National Guard Counter Drug Aircrew assisted Laredo South Agents with the

apprehension of 15 IA subjects in South Laredo. A total of 16 subjects were turned back.



On 13 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo West Agents responding to an anonymous

caller conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2002 Chevy Tahoe driven by a male on

FM-255, Laredo, TX. The agents seized 340 lbs of marijuana. The driver and

the marijuana were turned over to DEA. The vehicle was seized by the USBP.

DRIVER:

Roberto Alfonso

Melendez

12/18/1982

On 18 JUL 2011, USBP Laredo West Agents working

TX-255 and Mines Road, Laredo, TX, encountered a

white and grey 1987 Ford F-150 pickup that was stopped

on the side of TX-255. Three subjects bailed out and

absconded into the brush. Agents discovered 217.8 lbs

of abandoned marijuana in the vehicle. The vehicle

was seized and the marijuana was turned over to DEA.

On 14 JULY 2011, National Guard Counter Drug Aircrew assisted USBP Laredo West

Agents in seizing 284.4 lbs of abandoned marijuana near the Colombia Port of Entry,

in Laredo, TX.



On 12 JUL 2011, private industry workers were leaving a site off of TX-97 near Cotulla, TX,

when they spotted a plane landing in an open field. A suspicious SUV was spotted heading at a high rate of speed toward the airplane. The airplane had no visible tail number. Based on

the geographical coordinates, the plane landed approximately 61 nautical miles from the

Laredo Airport.

ANALYST NOTE: The plane landed in what is known as a Military Operational Area (MOA), which is a special use airspace routinely utilized for training and/or testing

maneuvers. This is not restricted airspace or prohibited airspace. When active, non-participating planes are simply diverted away from the space to ensure safety during

training maneuvers.



Laredo Unified Command Sector Assessment

The Laredo Unified Command had an increase in marijuana seizures this reporting

period. The largest single marijuana seizure this week was 832.6 lbs, seized by

USBP Hebbronville Agents, at the TX-16 Checkpoint. The contraband was concealed

within a lead-lined false compartment of a horse trailer. Cocaine seizures

increased significantly with a 57.97 lb seizure concealed within the seats of a passenger vehicle.

According to CBP/OFO, seat concealments have increased at the POEs from Brownsville to Del

Rio. No methamphetamine or currency seizures were reported this week. With the exception of an

$1,100 USD seizure made at a Webb Co residence, there has not been a southbound currency

seizure for five consecutive weeks.

Alien apprehensions increased significantly this period, however OTMs decreased slightly.

Additionally, the Unified Command had an increase in IA referrals this week.

No stolen vehicles were reported this week and no stolen vehicles were recovered.


K E N E D Y

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

W I L L A C Y

C A M E R O N

B R O O K S

RIO GRANDE VALLEY UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 2011


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

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

American (UTPA) PD Univ of Texas-

Brownsville (UTB) PD




Rio Grande Valley SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 4Bailouts 5Criminal Arrests 56

Fugitive Arrests 1Gang Related Criminal Arrests 48Pursuits 6Scouts/Decoys --Spikings --Splash Downs --

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 309.7 lbs

Heroin 21.2 lbs

Methamphetamine --

Currency $ 19,942.00

Other --

Weapons

Handgun(s) 6

Long Gun(s) 10Explosive(s) --

Vehicles Stolen / RecoveredStolen 2Recovered 4


IAs/Referrals 34

IAs/USBP 1124OTMs 484

OTM Countries

Columbia 2

El Salvador 128

Guatemala 168

Honduras 103India 49

Ecuador 11

Costa Rica 3Zambia 1

China 13

Eritrea 1Nicaragua 1

Nepal 3Portugal 1


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

$25,856

$220,005

$44,060

$19,942$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

RGV UC Currency Seizures

27,331.52

21,637.43

21,983.00

17,654.91

0.00

5,000.00

10,000.00

15,000.00

20,000.00

25,000.00

30,000.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

RGV UC Marijuana Seizures

288.54

81.46

117.05

309.70

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

350.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

RGV UC Cocaine Seizures

859

1,033

1,160 1,124

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Nu

mb

er

of

IAs

Ap

pre

he

nd

ed

RGV UC Illegal Aliens


Gang activity

The Hidalgo Co SO Gang Intelligence Unit reported 48 gang-related arrests this reporting period.

These arrests were made by 13 different agencies in the RGV sector. The gang members were

arrested for offenses such as, parole violation, driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana,

assault causing serious bodily injury, evading arrest, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, theft

of property, burglary of vehicle, burglary of habitation, contempt of child support, failure to register

as sex offender, resisting arrest, theft of property, possession of controlled substance, credit/debit

card abuse, unlawful carrying of weapon, aggravated assault on public servant, failure to identify,

criminal trespass, reckless driving, criminal mischief, purchase/furnish alcohol to minor, and

obstructed license plate. The arrestees have gang affiliation with:

Valluco Texas Chicano Brothers Sureno 13

Loco Trece Partido Revolucionario Mexicanos Bloods

Tri-City Bombers Mexican Mafia Latin Kings

Texas Syndicate Po’ Boys Norteno 14

Paisa Hermanos Pistoleros Pharrolito

Southbound Operations

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

Bridge.

Edinburg PD Officers responded to the Love’s Truck Stop in reference to a trucker who

reported noise and movement coming from the top of his truck. Upon inspection,

Officers found two female IAs hiding in the wind scoop. They were released to USBP

Agents.



Rio Grande City USBP Agents seized several weapons and ammunition near Fronton, TX. Agents

discovered a large duffel bag hidden in some brush near the Rio Grande. Agents inspected the

contents of the duffel bag and discovered six assault rifles, 26 magazines, and 363-rds of ammo in

various calibers. No subjects were arrested. ATF assumed custody of the firearms, ammo and gun

magazines. ANALYST NOTE: Please see the next slide reference for past weapons and marijuana seizures in

the Fronton, TX, area.



N

Reported Seizures since October 2010 in the FRONTON, TX, area

Since OCT 2010, there has been a noted increase in illegal activity in the FRONTON, TX, area. In JAN 2011, two weapons seizures occurred in the area

after weapons, grenades and tactical gear were found abandoned in the brush. One seizure had a rifle with F. MICH and CDG engraved into the butt of the stock. In JUN 2011, a total of 6,546 lbs of marijuana was seized from various incidents. Since 28 DEC 2010, the RGV JOIC has reported 26,219 lbs

marijuana seized from the FRONTON area.

Since OCT 2010 total weapons seizures include:

22 Assault Rifles4 Grenades

1 Grenade Launcher54 Magazines

623-rds Ammo3 two-way Radios


16 MAR 2011

M67

MKII

21 JAN 2011

21 JAN 2011

MKII

16 MAR 2011

16 MAR 2011

05 JAN 2011

18 JUL2011



USBP Agents requested DPS Air 108 to assist in a criminal search near the Rio Grande, just south

of Mission, TX. The Aircrew located and apprehended a total of 12 suspects. One suspect fled to

the south near the river and was believed to have crossed back into Mexico.

USBP Agents requested assistance from DPS Air 108 to search west of

Abram, TX. The Aircrew searched just south of Military Hwy and located a

group of 16 suspects hiding in a wooded area. Ground agents were guided

into the group and all 16 subjects were apprehended. Ten of the

suspects were OTMs from India.

Cameron County SO SIU Investigators received information of a suspicious crate that

had been picked up by a local freight company. A K-9 Unit conducted a free air search

of the crate and alerted. Investigators obtained a search warrant and seized 1,482 lbs

of marijuana from the crate.



Cameron Co SO requested assistance from DPS Air 108 in locating a suicidal subject in a black

Jeep SUV in the Boca Chica Beach area approximately 2 miles north of the entrance. The subject,

thought to be armed, had consumed valium and alcohol. The Aircrew located a vehicle and

observed a white male in the driver seat. The Aircrew notified Deputies of the vehicles location.

The Aircrew landed on the beach and an Aircrew member made contact with the highly intoxicated

and disoriented subject. The subject and vehicle were secured until CCSO deputies arrived.

CBP Officers from the Hidalgo POE inspected an inbound 2002 GMC Sierra with TX license plates.

A secondary inspection of the vehicle revealed 104.4 lbs of marijuana concealed inside the tires of

the vehicle. The male Mexican driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.


CBP Officers from the Pharr POE inspected an inbound 2001 Oldsmobile Alero with TX license

plates. A secondary inspection of the vehicle revealed 27.56 lbs of cocaine concealed in the

rear seat of the vehicle. The male USC driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.

CBP Officers from the Anzalduas

POE inspected an inbound 2000

Ford Expedition with MX license

plates. A secondary inspection of

the vehicle revealed 14.37 lbs of

cocaine concealed on the

occupants of the vehicle. Two

Mexican females were arrested and

the vehicle was seized.


Starr Co SO Investigators were involved in a pursuit of a maroon 1997 Mercury Sable. The

driver of the vehicle bailed out and fled on foot. Investigators recovered a total of 70.4 lbs of

marijuana in three bundles from inside the vehicle. The driver was apprehended a short time

later.

Starr Co SO Investigators conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Nissan Maxima. Investigators

requested and were granted consent to search the vehicle. The search revealed 273.4 lbs of

marijuana in 10 bundles concealed inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested.


Additional informationUSBP Agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint inspected a

northbound Freightliner truck. A secondary inspection

revealed 203 lbs of cocaine in the headliner of the tractor

cab. Two males subjects were arrested. The subjects,

narcotics and the vehicle were turned over to DEA.

USBP Agents at the Sarita Checkpoint seized 21.2 lbs of heroin during vehicle

inspections. Two male USCs were arrested. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics,

vehicle and the subjects. The heroin was packaged flat and concealed in a suitcase.

ANALYST NOTE: Packages had writing on them denoting specific weight and the word “China.”


McAllen USBP Agents seized 1,825 lbs of marijuana near Peñitas, TX. One subject was

arrested. The narcotics was turned over to DEA.

McAllen USBP Agents working outbound operations seized $19,942 USD from two taxi cabs.

Two subjects were arrested.

Mercedes USBP Agents seized 1,062.4 lbs of marijuana in Pharr, TX. No subjects were

arrested. One vehicle was seized. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics and subject.

USBP Agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint seized 50.2 lbs of cocaine during vehicle inspections.

One male USC was arrested. One vehicle was seized. DEA assumed custody of the narcotics

and subject.


Rio Grande City PD Officers attempted to

conduct a traffic stop on a blue 1989 Chevrolet

Blazer on Main St. The driver refused to stop and

a pursuit ensued. The vehicle continued east

bound until it drove off a small cliff on Water St.

and rolled over. Two male subjects bailed out

and absconded. Officers recovered 179 lbs of

marijuana in 109 bricks.CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE



THP Trooper was dispatched to a vehicle accident on Mile 6 Rd. east of Western Rd.

near Peñitas, TX. Upon arrival the Trooper located a 1998 Ford Windstar and conducted

a vehicle check. The vehicle was reported stolen from the Mission area. The Trooper

located several bundles of marijuana in the rear passenger area and front seat of the

vehicle. The total weight of marijuana was 318 lbs.

THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Ford F-350 hauling a 2008

homemade flatbed trailer on US-83 near La Grulla, TX. The Trooper made

contact with the driver and observed criminal indicators. The Trooper requested

and was granted consent to search. Upon search of the trailer trooper found

two assault rifles co-mingled with cargo.

THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 Chevrolet pickup on FM-755

near La Gloria, TX. The Trooper made contact with the driver and was granted

consent to search the vehicle. The search revealed 70 lbs of marijuana

concealed inside the vehicle’s gas tank.

THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Chevrolet pickup towing a

trailer hauling a 2002 Ford Focus on US-83 near La Joya, TX. The Trooper

received consent to search the vehicles. The search revealed 246 lbs of

marijuana concealed in the trunk of the Focus. The driver was arrested.

CBP Officers working outbound traffic, detained a Hispanic male at the Hidalgo

International Bridge who was driving a 2004 Ford F-250 pickup. The Officer noticed the

vehicle was running without keys present in the ignition. The suspect admitted that the

vehicle was stolen. The owner of the vehicle recovered his vehicle.



Mission PD executed a narcotic search warrant at a residence in Mission, TX. A search of

the residence revealed 725 lbs of marihuana, 55 grams of cocaine, two handguns and

one rifle. Four male subjects were taken into custody. All subjects were charged with

possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine. Further information indicated that the

narcotics belonged to a subject known as ―Barac,‖ also known as "Zeta 45.‖

La Joya PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on a F-250 pickup after receiving information that

the vehicle was transporting IAs. The Officer made contact with the driver, who stated he had

undocumented passengers inside the vehicle. USBP Agents were notified and they assumed

custody of seven IAs.

La Joya PD Officer conducted a traffic stop on a white 1992 Mercury Marquis on US-83. The

Officer observed the passengers were wearing black damp clothing. The driver was questioned

as to where he picked up the passengers and he stated that he picked them up at a local motel

and was paid $70 USD per person to transport them to McAllen, TX. The Officer determined that

the five passengers were undocumented aliens that had just crossed into the US. USBP Agents

were notified and assumed custody of 5 IAs and the driver.

Rio Grande City PD Officers conducted a consent to search at a residence on Yellow Fin St.

During the search, Officers discovered 10 bundles of marijuana weighing 222 lbs in a

bedroom of the residence. Officers also recovered a stolen handgun that had been reported

stolen out of Houston, TX. A male resident was arrested.

Rio Grande City PD Officers assisted HIDTA Task Force in conducting a traffic stop on US-83

and Blas Chapa Rd., on a white 2008 Ford F-250 pulling a 2010 goose neck trailer. Officers

requested and received consent from the driver to search the vehicle. Officers discovered

766.6 lbs of marijuana in 30 bundles concealed a hidden compartment underneath the

trailer. The driver was arrested.



Pharr PD Officer responded to a suspicious vehicle call at a residence on Yellow Fin

St. The homeowner reported that when he arrived at his house he noticed a blue 1998

Ford Expedition parked in his driveway. The homeowner reported that the vehicle did

not belong to him, and that he saw a suspicious male walking away from the vehicle.

The Officer inspected the vehicle and noticed that it was carrying large bundles. The

officer observed that one of the packages resting on the front driver seat was opened

and he could see what appeared to be marijuana. He also saw marijuana residue on

the center console. One male subject was detained and arrested for the possession of

marijuana. The bundles were weighed and totaled 789 lbs marijuana.

Pharr PD Officer working southbound at the Pharr POE observed a

Ford F-250 arriving at the POE with a damaged door lock. Officer

initiated an inspection of the vehicle. The Officer observed damage

to the ignition and a filed key in the ignition. The driver was detained

and the Officer received information that the truck was stolen out of

Edinburg, TX. A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun hidden in

the air intake of the vehicle.

Pharr PD Officer stopped at a local tire shop for service on a

police vehicle’s tire. The Officer walked into the business and

noticed that no one was working in the office. The Officer heard

voices from a rear work station and observed several subjects

compressing marijuana into blocks. The Officer identified himself

and the subjects ran out of the building through a rear door. The

officer secured 36 lbs of marijuana, a handgun, and metal

compressing equipment.



Harlingen PD SIU Investigators received information of a

narcotics stash house located at a residence in San

Benito, TX. Investigators and Deputies from Cameron Co

SO conducted a "knock and talk" at the residence. Written

consent was given to search a travel trailer located behind

the house and investigators found 56.56 lbs of marijuana

in several bundles. Investigators also found a rifle and

handgun. A check revealed that the handgun was stolen.

The resident of the travel trailer was arrested.

THP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix with FL license plates on

US-281 near San Manuel, TX. The Trooper made contact with the driver and verbal consent to

search the vehicle was granted. A search of the vehicle revealed 50 lbs of marijuana in 3 bundles

concealed in suitcases. The driver was arrested.


The RGV Unified Command agencies were responsible for the seizure of over 17,000 lbs of

marijuana. This is a 20% decrease from last week. Cocaine seizures increased from 117.05 lbs

reported last week to 309.7 lbs this week. There were no methamphetamine seizures reported this

week. Heroin seizures totaled 21.2 lbs. Currency decreased to a total of $19,942 USD. The US

Border Patrol, CBP OFO, DPS Aviation, DPS THP and CID, Texas Rangers, Mission PD, La Joya

PD, Edinburg PD, Starr Co SO, Cameron Co SO, Pharr PD, Rio Grande City PD and Harlingen PD

contributed significantly to the narcotic seizures.

Illegal Alien apprehensions decreased slightly for the reporting period from 1,160 to 1,124 this

week. The OTM count decreased from last week to a total of 484.

The Gulf Cartel and Zetas engaged each other in several gun battles this past week in the cities of

Matamoros and Valle Hermoso. Several other Mexican towns such as Diaz Ordaz and San

Fernando, all within 50 miles of the US border, also witnessed violence. The Mexican Military

deployed assets to the scenes of these shootings. Vehicular traffic on some streets were halted by

the cartel as they deployed a bus to serve as a blockade. These violent encounters are expected to

continue as the Zetas attempt to gain a foothold in the territory. Effective coordination continues

between the USBP International Liaison Unit and the Mexican Military that has resulted in the

dispatch of a Mexican Army helicopter and ground units to locations near the Rio Grande. Several

DTO suspects were taken into custody by Mexican authorities.

RGV JOIC Sector Assessment


K L E B E R G

N U E C E S

J I MW

E L LS

M c M

U L L

E N

B E E

L I V EO A K

G O L I A D

D e W I T T

L A V A C A

R E F U G I O

A R A N S A S

W H A R T O N

M A T A G O R D A

B R O O K S


COASTAL BEND UNIFIED COMMAND SECTOR13 – 19 JUL 2011


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

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



Coastal Bend SectorThe Unified Command provided the following reports:

Absconds 3

Bailouts 1

Criminal Arrests 278

Fugitive Arrests 121


Pursuits 2

Scouts/Decoys 0


IAs/Referrals 20

IAs/USBP 0

OTMs 8

OTM Countries

Honduras 5

El Salvador 1

Columbia 2

Contraband Seizures

Marijuana 237.18 lbs

Cocaine 19.83 lbs

Heroin --

Methamphetamine --

Currency $ 154,338.00

Other

Ecstasy 19 Pills,

Xanax 16 Pills,

Hydrocodone 14 Pills,

Alprazolam 9 Pills

Weapons

Handgun(s) 5

Long Gun(s) 5

Explosive(s) 0


Stolen 4

Recovered 5


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

IAs apprehended in the Coastal Bend

JOIC Sector and reported by USBP

Stations Kingsville, Corpus Christi and

Falfurrias, are reported in the RGV JOIC

statistics because the above listed USBP

stations report to USBP Sector (Rio

Grande Valley) HQ in McAllen.

Referrals noted on the previous page are

IAs apprehended by Coastal Bend Unified

Command members (local and county)

that ultimately turn over their

apprehensions to USBP.

$74,100

$0

$195,164

$154,338

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Am

ou

nt

of

US

Cu

rre

ncy

Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Currency Seizures

791.47

3,004.66

4,195.78

237.180.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

3,000.00

3,500.00

4,000.00

4,500.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Mar

ijuan

a Se

ize

d

Coastal Bend UC Marijuana Seizures

13.31

4.61

0.40

19.83

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Po

un

ds

of

Co

cain

e S

eiz

ed

Coastal Bend UC Cocaine Seizures


Gang ActivityTango Orejon 1

Texas Syndicate 2

Sorenos Trece 1

Los Paisas 2

Known gang-type apprehensions this

reporting week

Robstown PD identified a subject in custody as a member of the TANGO OREJON

prison gang. The subject confirmed his affiliation with the gang which is a San Antonio-

based derivative of the TANGO BLAST gang.

San Antonio Spurs Basketball

team logo commonly used in

combination with a rhinoceroses

as Tango Orejon tattoos.

―OREJON‖


Corpus Christi PD, ICE, DPS Aviation and the US Postal Inspector seized 3 lbs of marijuana

shipped in the US Mail. The suspects had been receiving packages with small amounts of

marijuana. The US Postal Service, Corpus Christi PD, and ICE arranged a controlled delivery which

resulted in the arrest of two subjects. One was identified as a TEXAS SYNDICATE gang member.

Residence where package

was delivered.

Suspect vehicle in

transit between residences.

Suspect vehicle.Suspect approaching residence

to retrieve package.

Two suspects in custody.

Gang Activity


Gang Activity

Corpus Christi PD arrested three male suspects for burglary and robbery. CCPD

Officers identified two of the three male subjects as having gang affiliation. One

subject is a member of the TEXAS SYNDICATE and one is a member of SURENOS

TRECE.

Sinton PD arrested two male subjects suspected of human smuggling and two

undocumented aliens from Colombia. The two IAs are confirmed members of the

LOS PAISAS.

―PAISA‖ tattoo on the left shoulder of

one subject.

SANTA MUERTE

tattoo on the left arm of

one subject.

Stock

Graphic

ANALYST NOTE: “Los Paisas” is Spanish for “countrymen.” In Colombia, LOS PAISAS are a drug trafficking

gang. The two subjects apprehended in this incident were originally from Colombia.

In the US, LOS PAISAS are a loosely-formed group of prison inmates from Mexico, who group together for self-

protection from organized prison gangs. LOS PAISAS, like MEXICLES and PARTIDO REVOLUCIONARIO

MEXICANO (PRM), utilize the bird from the “Hecho en Mexico” (or Made in Mexico) logo or even the full logo, in

addition to Aztec symbols can also be tattooed on a LOS PAISAS member.

The Colombian LOS PAISAS should not be confused with the LOS PAISAS found in US prisons.


DPS/CID Corpus Christi working in Nueces Co seized $32,555 USD and a handgun

during the execution of a search warrant at a residence. The search also recovered

several stolen items from Aransas Co. One male subject was arrested.

THP Kleberg Co seized 9.2 lbs of marijuana concealed in

luggage in a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu bearing FL license plates.

DPS/CID Corpus Christi working in Nueces Co seized two rifles and two shotguns

that were reported stolen during the execution of a search warrant at a residence. The

search also yielded the recovery of several other stolen items including some weapon

accessories. One male subject was arrested.


The male driver was traveling on

US-77N from McAllen, TX, to

Houston, TX.

Corpus Christi PD seized $1,583 USD and 0.99 lbs of marijuana concealed in zip-loc

storage bags in the console of a 2001 Ford Expedition SUV. The male driver and two male

passengers were detained.

Kingsville PD seized 12.3 lbs of

marijuana concealed in a plastic

candy storage tub located during a

traffic stop on a 2009 Ford F-150

pickup. The male driver was

detained.


THP Victoria Co seized

19.8 lbs of cocaine

concealed in the frame of

a 2001 Mazda Tribute.

The male driver was

traveling on US-59N from

Matamoros, MX, to

Houston, TX.


Cocaine concealed inside of vehicle frame.

Obvious tool marks

indicated tampering

with the vehicle chassis.


THP Kleberg Co seized $3,940 USD concealed in pockets of clothing inside of luggage in a 2003 Ford

Explorer Sport Trac. The male driver was traveling on US-59S from Houston, TX, to Weslaco, TX.


THP Kleberg Co seized $116,260 USD

concealed in juice packages in a 2010 Jeep

Patriot SUV. The female driver and male

passenger were traveling on US-77S from

Baytown, TX to Matamoros, MX.

ANALYST NOTE: In last week’s BOSA, the

Weekly Assessment noted food and beverage

containers are continuing to be an observed

concealment trend. Last reporting period,

THP Live Oak Co seized $6,260 USD

concealed in snack chip bags and clothing. In

the 01 JULY 2011 BOSA, THP Kleberg Co

seized $29,200 USD concealed inside a

hollowed-out loaf of bread.


THP Nueces Co seized 24.25 lbs of marijuana

concealed in the muffler of a 1996 Chevrolet 1500

pickup. The male driver was traveling on US-77N from

Roma, TX, to Houston, TX.

The muffler had

an opening cut to provide access,

then sealed. The faint seals can be

seen in this picture.



THP Victoria Co seized 181.6 lbs of marijuana concealed in the frame (front of bed) and in the gas tank

of a 1994 Chevrolet 2500 pickup. The male driver and female passenger were traveling on US-59N from

Roma, TX, to Houston, TX.


Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized

54 lbs of marijuana concealed in the gas

tank of a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup. The

male driver and male passenger were

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

Houston, TX.

Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized 53.4 lbs of marijuana concealed in multiple articles of

luggage in a 2010 Jeep Compass SUV. The female driver was traveling on US-77N from

Harlingen, TX, to Houston, TX.

Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized 5.20 lbs of marijuana concealed in luggage in a 2000

Freightliner truck tractor. The male driver was traveling on US-77N from McAllen, TX, to Corpus

Christi, TX.

Kleberg Co SO and the USBP seized 139.8 lbs of

marijuana concealed in duffle bags transported in a

2007 International Tractor Truck. The male driver

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

an unknown destination.

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

Coastal Bend JOICs Sector Assessment

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

reporting period from 4,195.78 lbs to 237.18 lbs. However, there was an increase in cocaine

seizures from 0.402 lbs to 19.83 lbs. Four currency seizures totaling $154,338 USD were reported

this period, which is a decrease from $195,164 reported last week. OTM referrals increased and

gang-related criminal arrests remained the same. IA referrals, absconds, and bailouts decreased in

the Coastal Bend Sector during this period. US-77 N/S and US-59S were the locations of significant

narcotic and currency seizures.

A review of the Falfurrias Checkpoint on US-281N indicated that between 13-19 JUL 2011 there

was 547.06 lbs of marijuana and 253.2 lbs of cocaine seized. This is a decrease from 820.8 lbs of

marijuana, but an increase from zero cocaine seized last week. The Falfurrias Checkpoint reports

indicate that one tractor and trailer was seized attempting to conceal a cocaine load totaling

203.0 lbs. No commercial buses were found to conceal contraband during this period.

A review of the Sarita Checkpoint on US-77N indicated 475.6 lbs of marijuana and a small amount

of cocaine reported as seized. This was an increase from last week’s total of 91.44 lbs of marijuana

and zero cocaine seized. In addition, 21.2 lbs of heroin was seized at the Sarita Checkpoint this

period. One tractor trailer was seized attempting to conceal a marijuana load totaling 5.2 lbs. No

commercial buses were found to conceal contraband during this period.

Tractor/trailer combinations seen in the Coastal Bend Sector smuggling very large loads of

marijuana has significantly decreased. The checkpoint cases are down as are seizures in the

Coastal Bend Sector AOR.


Statewide

Corridor Seizures

THP [Montgomery Co.] –• 2,495 pills pseudoephedrine –handbag;

San Antonio, TX to Lufkin, TX.• 20 lbs of marijuana – handbag;

Baytown, TX to Liberty, TX.

THP [Bowie Co.] –• 98 g of methamphetamine – console;

Hooks, TX to Texarkana, TX.


THP [Liberty Co.] –• 30 lbs marijuana– luggage; Houston,

TX to Indianapolis, IN.

THP [Chambers Co.] –• 15 lbs marijuana – trunk;

Houston, TX to Stockbridge, GA• $7,183 USD Currency – body

carry cloth; Immokalee, FL to Brownsville, TX.

THP [Brown Co.] –• $31,450 USD Currency – dashboard;

Dallas, TX to Del Rio, TX.

THP[Atascosa Co.] –• 58.9 lbs marijuana – false wall in trunk; Harlingen, TX

to Corpus Christi, TX.

THP [Montague Co.] –• 9 lbs of marijuana – cardboard

box; Fort Worth, TX to Vernon, TX.

THP [Smith Co.] –• 4 lbs marijuana – luggage; Amarillo, TX to

Oakdale, LA.

CID [Harris Co.] –• 5 kg cocaine – luggage; Houston, TX.

THP [Ellis Co.] –• $11,533 USD Currency – dashboard;

Houston, TX to Austin, TX.• 6 kg cocaine – false compartment in

rear seat; San Antonio, TX to Oklahoma.THP [Panola Co.] –• $16,092 USD Currency and 2 oz marijuana

– driver seat, center console, and under passenger seat; Little Rock, AR to Houston, TX.

Corpus Christi Bay, Coastal Bend Sector

THP [Austin Co.] –• 132.5 lbs cocaine – duffle bags; San

Antonio, TX to Houston, TX.


14 JUL 2011: THP Terrell conducted a traffic stop on a 1998 Chevrolet

Silverado, bearing MX registration. The K-9 Unit was deployed and gave a

positive alert to an area near the engine. Further search revealed 7 lbs of

cocaine concealed in the intake manifold of the engine. The cocaine was

en route to Dallas, TX from Nuevo Laredo, MX.

Dallas, TXCocaine packages located

within intake manifold

Untouched

engine

Cell phone with Ferrari

insignia on it


ANALYST NOTE:It is widely known that the

Los Zetas DTO has

associated itself with the

Ferrari logo. It is thought

to be an inconspicuous

way of announcing their

presence without drawing

attention from law

enforcement.

Nuevo Leon, MX

DTO member attempting to

cross back in Mexico

Ferrari Logo on shirt


14 JUL 2011: THP Jourdanton conducted a traffic stop on a

2003 Dodge Intrepid, bearing TX registration. A consent to

search revealed 58.9 lbs of marijuana concealed in a

false compartment behind the rear seat. The marijuana was

traveling from Harlingen, TX to Corpus Christi, TX.

Corpus Christi. TX

Harlingen. TX

13 JUL 2011: As part of a narcotics investigation, CID-

Houston and Houston HIDTA established surveillance on a

suspect heading to a Greyhound bus station in San

Antonio, TX. The individual walked into the station,

retrieved a piece of luggage, and proceeded to drive down

a city alleyway. Minutes later the individual emerged from

the alley and a traffic stop was initiated. The luggage was

no where to be found in the 2005 Dodge Caravan, bearing

TX registration. The Agents returned to the alley and

located the luggage containing 22 lbs of cocaine.



Syracuse. NY

13 JUL 2011: THP Panhandle conducted a traffic

stop on a 2005 Acura, bearing NY registration. A

consent to search revealed six bundles of currency,

totaling $160,000 USD, concealed inside a false

compartment built into the exhaust tunnel. The cash

was en route to Fontana, CA from Syracuse, NY.

Fontana, CA

TROOPER NOTE:

Access to the false compartment was

achieved by activating an after market

piston that moved the center console back,

revealing the compartment.

West Valley, UT

Oklahoma City, OK

18 JUL 2011: THP Borger conducted

a traffic stop on a 2002 Chevrolet Trail

Blazer bearing UT registration. A

consent to search revealed 1 lb of

methamphetamine concealed in

the dashboard of the vehicle. The

meth was en route to Oklahoma City,

OK, from West Valley, UT . CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


Gas tank from Jeep

Orlando, FL

San Antonio, TX

16 JUL 2011: THP Columbus conducted a traffic stop on a 2001 Peterbilt truck towing

an 2001 Cottrell auto trailer, both bearing FL registration. The trailer was carrying both

a 1999 Jeep LL and a 2001 Ford F-250 utility truck, both bearing TX registration.

During interview, the Trooper noticed undercoating spray on the Ford pickup. With the

assistance of Fayette Co SO and Weimar PD, a consent to search revealed a total of

50 bundles (totaling 200 lbs) of marijuana in a false bed of the Ford, and

inside the gas tank of the Jeep. The marijuana was traveling from San Antonio, TX , to

Orlando, FL.

Undercoating spray residual visible in wheel well of Ford truck



20 JUL 2011: THP Corsicana

conducted a traffic stop on a 2006

Cadillac Escalade, bearing OK

registration. A consent to search

revealed 13.23 lbs of cocaineinside an electric compartment under

the left rear seat. The driver

“claimed” the cocaine was traveling

from San Antonio, TX, to Oklahoma.

14 JUL 2011: With the assistance of Brown Co SO, THP

Comanche conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Chevrolet C-3500

towing a 1993 GMC Sierra C-1500, both bearing TX registration.

A consent to search revealed one bundle of currency in the

dashboard of one vehicle and an additional bundle in the

dashboard of the other vehicle, totaling $31,450 USD.The cash was traveling from Dallas, TX, to Del Rio, TX.

June 21, 2011July 9, 2011July 19, 2011

ANALYST NOTE:

Although the driver claimed to

be coming from San Antonio,

the Escalade has been spotted

via the License Plate Reader

(LPR) coming through the

Sarita Checkpoint, southbound

on US-77. One image catches

the vehicle one day before the

stop.

ANALYST NOTE:

All 3 bundles were wrapped in

sheets of lead in an attempt to

elude X-rays and backscatter

devices at the POEs.



Deceased Illegal Aliens Discovered on US Soil(JAN 2010 – Present)

With the violence in Mexico increasing to extreme levels of

brutality and torture, many civilians are left no choice but to flee. Likewise, human smugglers are duping people into thinking

the waters are safe, the distances are short, and

temperatures are tolerable. The border counties in particular are seeing an increase in deceased

IAs, with the majority being found in the Laredo and RGV

Sectors. The US Border Patrol is reporting that the majority of

deaths are caused by “Environmental Exposures –

Heat” or “Undetermined.” The USBP Border Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team

specializes in assisting subjects, who are challenged by

environmental dangers.

Marfa Sector

Del Rio Sector

Laredo Sector

Coastal Bend Sector

RGV Sector

Body Discovered



SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICOSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MEXICO


INCLUDING CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA


Significant Events in Mexico

15 JUL 2011: Emergency Message for USCs – Threats of violence against US

government interests in Chihuahua.

The US Consulate General in Cd Juárez is issuing this Emergency Message for USCs in the

state of Chihuahua. The Consulate has distributed the following message to our staff:

Mexican authorities have captured key members of the cartels active in Juárez. These

successes also bring with them the potential for an increase in violence. The cartels

may seek to retaliate and increase their attacks against rival cartel members, Mexican

law enforcement and/or the public in general.

Information has come to light that suggests a cartel may be targeting the US Consulate in Cd

Juárez or US POE. In the past, cartels have been willing to utilize car bombs in attacks. We

ask American citizens to remain vigilant. If the Consulate should receive any credible threat

information that provides a specific time and place, that information will be disseminated

immediately. USC victims of crime or their families are urged to contact the American Citizens

Services unit of the Consulate for advice or assistance. During regular work hours, the

American Citizens Services unit of the Consulate can be reached at (656) 227-3411, by fax at

(656) 227-3264 or by email at [email protected]. In the event of an after-hours

serious emergency, the duty officer may be reached at (656) 327-7877.



Significant events in Mexico

Two gunmen and those who attempted to

hide them were arrested in colonia Galeana

CD. JUÁREZ – On 13 JUL 2011, two municipal police officers were shot and wounded by gunmen

in an attack as they patrolled in colonia Galeana. A search was conducted and two alleged gunmen

were arrested by the municipal police. Seven others were arrested for hiding the two shooters.

According to the police report, Ivory Juan Alfredo Martinez, was driving the 2007 Toyota Rav4 truck,

and Cesar Eduardo Rangel, who was a passenger, fired the shots. The vehicle was seized, along

with an AR-15 rifle, seven AR-15 magazines, 120 rds of .223 caliber ammo, a .22 cal pistol with

four rds of ammo, as well as four 9mm magazines, one .45 cal magazine with 15 rds, and one .380

magazine with four rds. One hand-held radio and two tape recorders were also seized.

Municipal Police search the neighborhood for gunmen


Significant events in Mexico (cont)

Wounded gunmen are prepared for transport to the hospital. They were removed from the pickup truck after wrecking with

another vehicle and hitting a building and fence.

A wounded gunman is prepared for transport to a hospital.Many officers from different agencies responded to the scene.

CD. JUÁREZ – On 14 JUL 2011, gunmen attacked elements of the Delta Group (elite narcotics

taskforce) of the Municipal Police. A pursuit and shootout ended with the death of two attackers

and the wounding of another. The attack was carried out by six gunmen traveling in two vehicles.

Two patrol units were fired upon at the intersection of Zaragoza Blvd and Valle del Cedro St. The

pursuit ended at the intersection of Toronja St and Zaragoza Blvd, where the GMC pickup driven by

the attackers slammed into another car, and then into a building, injuring the occupants. Three

wounded gunmen were transported to a hospital, where two died of their wounds.

http://diario.com.mx/notas.php?f=2011/07/14&id=45ff703d8c4f8508550c4ce0ef733ac5

http://www.juareznoticias.com/not_detalle.php?id_n=


CD. JUÁREZ – On 07 JUL 2011, a merchant who had been kidnapped by members of a group that

practiced cult or satanic death was rescued by anti-kidnapping group officers of the Attorney

General's Office. On 13 JUL 2011, Agents arrested two of the suspected kidnappers, Andrés

Sánchez Balderas, 45, and S. Candelario, 14, when they tried to collect more money from the

man’s family. Anti-kidnapping Agents went to the kidnappers’ safe house in the 7400 blk of Joaquin

Castellanos St, where they found an altar with a skeleton dressed as a bride, at least two skulls,

and numerous cigarette packs that were apparent offerings. ―In the safe house skeletons and skulls

were found and apparently used for some type of death cult or the practice of a satanic ritual,‖

authorities said. The ―Cochi‖ kidnapping ring is allegedly responsible for seven other recent

abductions. Three members of the group are wanted by police.


Andres Sanchez Balderas and a 14-year-old boy, Candelario

S. were arrested. Francisco Javier Soto Campas, AKA ―El

Cochi‖ (top) is the alleged head of the ring, and two other

men are fugitives. (PROFUGO is Spanish for FUGITIVE) Items discovered inside the ―Cochi‖ kidnapping ring safe house

included a skeleton dressed as a bride, an altar, and items

related to worship of Santa Muerte.



CD. JUÁREZ – On 13 JUL 2011, a 35-yr-old woman was shot and killed

near the intersection of Hospital and Ignacio Aldama streets in colonia

Barrio Alto. The woman’s head was wrapped in adhesive tape and her

hands and feet were bound. She had been kidnapped from the front of her

home two hours earlier by men in a pickup. Family members stated her

killers had tried to kidnap her several days earlier, but she escaped.

CD. JUÁREZ – On 15 JUL 2011, a woman’s body was

found in one of the rooms in the El Refugio Guesthouse

located on Mina Street, between Corregidor and Miguel

Ahumada streets in the central district. The victim, aged 25

to 30-yr-old, was gagged and had a plastic bag taped over

her head. Her left index finger had been amputated.

The number of DTO-related homicides in Cd Juárez

and surrounding communities for this reporting period

is 36. There have been a total of 142 DTO-related

homicides for the month of JUL, bringing the total to

1,253 for the year thus far and 8,629 DTO-related

homicides since 2008.Figures as of 24 hours 19 July 2011

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

1607

26583111

1253

DTO Related Deaths Juarez MX 2008 to Date

2008 2009 2010 2011


Canine search of

a commercial

vehicle.

CD. JUÁREZ – Tourists and regular border commuters are exploring the possibilities of hiring a private

security company that will use a drug-sniffing dog to check maquiladora tractor-trailers and other vehicles

on the Mexican side of the border for possible drugs before they enter the US. People do not want to

undergo a similar ordeal as that of Ana Isela Martínez of Juárez, who spent a month and a half in prison

after two bags of marijuana were found in her car that she said were placed there by drug smugglers.


CD. JUÁREZ – In three and a half years, 21 drug rehabilitation centers

have closed down after the State Coordinator of Care for Addictions and

the State Commission for Protection against Health Risks began

operations to verify if the facilities were operating legally and

professionally, following a series of attacks by organized crime that

began in 2010. Many of the centers were considered recruiting centers

for criminal groups operating in the city. La Victoria rehabilitation center

ANALYST NOTE: Over the past several months, the BOSA has reported on several killings outside of

rehabilitation centers. Gangs frequently target private, unlicensed rehabilitation centers because they are

more likely to take in active gang members seeking to free themselves from an addiction. In contrast to

government-licensed rehabilitation centers in Mexico, private clinics are not associated with the penal

system and often have very little security, leaving their patients vulnerable to attacks by gangs seeking to

avenge the death of a friend or eliminate a potential police informant. Some unlicensed clinics may also

serve as fronts for drug dealing, or as safe houses.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=3868056


BAJA CALIFORNIA – On 12 JUL 2011, Mexican soldiers have discovered the largest marijuana plantation

ever detected in Mexico, covering almost 300 acres and owned by Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin Guzman,

aka ―El Chapo.‖ The marijuana plants were sheltered under black screen-cloth in a huge square on the

floor of the Baja California desert, more than 150 miles south of Tijuana, near the coastal town of San

Quintin across the border from San Diego. The screening, which is often used by regular farmers to

protect crops from too much sun or heat, made it difficult to detect from the air what was growing

underneath. It was only when soldiers on the ground reached the isolated area that they found thousands

of pot plants as high as 2.5 yards (meters) tall. No arrests were made at the scene. It was estimated that

traffickers could have harvested about 120 tons of marijuana from the plantation, worth about 1.8 billion

pesos (about $160 million). Photos of the plantation showed a sophisticated system of piped-in irrigation

to support the plants, which was fed by two wells. The plantation also included some wooden outbuildings,

presumably for use by people caring for the plants. Soldiers detained 16 farmers working on the

plantation, though it is thought that it had a workforce of over 100 people. While it's unknown how much of

Mexican drug cartels’ income comes from marijuana, recent discoveries suggest it remains a large-scale

trade. Last October, Mexican authorities made their largest-ever seizure of marijuana packaged for sale, a

record 148 tons (134 metric tons) found in a number of tractor trailers and houses in Tijuana. They

appeared to make up a major distribution center traced directly to Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who has

expanded the reach of his Sinaloa cartel along the US-Mexico border.

Significant Events in Mexico (cont)


SIERRA DE CASAS GRANDES– On 18 JUL 2011, authorities went

to the Sierra de Casas Grandes after receiving an anonymous tip

about a marijuana plantation located 60 kilometers south of the

town of Nuevo Casas Grandes. At the location, federal officers

located three acres of growing marijuana plants. The plants were

growing at a ratio of four plants per square meter, with a weight of

75 g per plant. The estimated weight of the crop is nine tons. The

marijuana was burned at the location by federal agents. The crop

was well irrigated by nearby streams and a series of hoses. The

base camp had been vacated hurriedly, as wood was still burning in

a stove. No arrests were made. The operation was linked to the

Sinaloa Cartel. This is the second large marijuana plantation

discovered belonging to the Sinaloa cartel.


Federal Agents gathering marijuana plants for destruction.

Agents destroyed the base

camp and crop by burning.

Mexican helicopter

overflies the plantation.




MICHOACÁN - Recently there have been numerous

confrontations between the Caballeros Templarios (CT)

and federal forces around Michoacán, midway between

Mexico City and Guadalajara. During one of the

confrontations, federal forces came upon a CT training

camp. Forces found weapons, live ammo, camping

equipment, hundreds of posters of the Knights Templar,

a metal knight helmet, tunics with red crosses,

packages of marijuana covered with masking tape, over

20 pieces of radio equipment, and three late-model

trucks with CT insignia.

Tunics and Knight’s helmet

Front of Knights Templar Code

of Conduct booklet




Seven people linked to the Los Caballeros Templarios drug cartel, including the boss of a

group of gunmen employed by the criminal organization, were arrested by the Federal

Police. Faustino Pacheco Torres, who admitted taking part in the shootout with police that

resulted in the death in DEC 2010 of La Familia Michoacán (LFM) cartel boss Nazario

Moreno, aka ―El Chayo‖ and LFM’s ideological leader, was among those arrested. Los

Caballeros Templarios is made up of former members of LFM, which mainly smuggled

synthetic drugs into the US. LFM, based in the western state of Michoacán, has been

severely weakened in recent months by infighting and government operations targeting the cartel.

Michoacán has been experiencing a wave of drug-related violence blamed on the break-up of LFM, which

was considered one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels. The LFM faction led by Jesus Mendez, who

was arrested last month, has been fighting the group led by Servando Gomez and Enrique Plancarte, who

formed Los Caballeros Templarios in MAR 2011. Pacheco was in charge of a group of gunmen who

worked for the new cartel in Apatzingan, the city in which he was arrested and one of the areas in

Michoacán where drug traffickers have a high degree of control. Apatzingan has been the scene of

numerous drug-related killings in recent years. Los Caballeros Templarios, like LFM, requires members to

adhere to a code of conduct and portrays itself as working for the good of the community despite its

criminal activities. Michoacán is on Mexico’s Pacific coast, which is used by smugglers to bring drugs into

the country. The drugs are then smuggled via the Pacific corridor or through central Mexico into the US,

the world’s largest consumer of illegal drugs.




On 15 JUL 2011, Mexican army soldiers captured Cristobal Flores Lopez, a leader of

the Los Zetas, who allegedly smuggled cocaine from northern Mexico into the US for

the past eight years. The Secretariat identified Flores as the Zeta’s main operator in the

towns of Anahuac and Lampazos de Naranjo, in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon,

and in the town of Candela, in the neighboring state of Coahuila. Flores was arrested

along with two other suspected cartel members, including a woman, while they were

riding in an SUV in Anahuac. Personnel from the 7th Military Zone arrested the

suspects at a checkpoint and also confiscated drugs, two assault rifles, a handgun,

ammo magazines, ammo, a vehicle and communications gear. Lopez is linked to the

seizure of 290 lbs of cocaine by military personnel on 14 JUL 2011, in the town of San

Nicolas de los Garza, part of the metro area of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. Los Zetas and

former allies the Gulf cartel have been engaged in a turf battle for more than a year for

control of smuggling routes in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.

On 16 JUL 2011, a confrontation between Marines and gunmen

was reported on Constituyentes Avenue near the Quinta Real

neighborhood of Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Shortly after, a

second confrontation was reported in the Sección 16

neighborhood of the city. As a result of these confrontations,

one gunman was killed and another injured. Throughout the

day, numerous confrontations were reported in neighborhoods

to include Hacienda del Puente, Puerto Rico, Avenida Virgilio

Garza, Carretera Sendero Nacional, amongst others. During

these confrontations, gunmen set up narco blockades

throughout the city to impede authorities. Vehicles utilized for

these narco blockades included tractor-trailers, buses, and

other large vehicles.

Cristobal Flores

Lopez


On 15 JUL 2011, a convoy of Grupo Elite officers, an elite unit of Sinaloa's State Police used in operations

against organized crime, was ambushed on Federal HWY-15 in the municipality of Guasave, leaving a

total of twelve officers and a civilian dead. The officers were returning from northern Sinaloa to their base

in the state capitol of Culiacan after providing security in Los Mochis for the director of Sinaloa’s

Department of Public Safety, Francisco Cordova Celaya, during a function in that northern Sinaloa city.

Cordova Celaya, whose office confirmed the deaths, was not with the officers as he had flown to Culiacan

via helicopter. Earlier in the afternoon, a unit of State Preventive Police was ambushed in the Jiquilpan

section of Los Mochis and municipal police officers were attacked in the Tepeca area of the city. No

fatalities were reported in these attacks, but several officers were injured. It is unknown if any gunmen

were killed or captured during the shootings in Los Mochis and Guasave. On 30 MAY 2011, up to 19

―narco‖ banners were hung in several municipalities of Sinaloa, including Guasave and Culiacan,

accusing Governor Mario Lopez Valdez of having links to Joaquin ―El Chapo‖ Guzman and calling the

Grupo Elite a paramilitary arm of the Sinaloa Cartel. The banners were hung by Beltran Leyva loyalists,

known locally as Mazatlecos or Mochomeros, who accuse the Grupo Elite force of attempting to sweep

them out of their stronghold in northern Sinaloa and leaving the area open for El Chapo Guzman.




The SSP and the PGR are reporting that the arrests of major cartel heads has led to the emergence

of smaller criminal organizations; some of whom have been identified as:

• La Mano con Ojos (The Hand with Eyes)

• La Nueva Administracion (The New Administration)

• Former La Mano con Ojos operators, and formed following internal agreements.

• Battling for territory against La Mano con Ojos in Mexico State and the southern sector of

the Federal District.

• El Cartel Independiente de Acapulco (CIDA) (The Independent Cartel from Acapulco).

• Former Beltran Leyva operators – emerged after Edgar Valdez Villarreal, aka La Barbie, was

arrested in AUG 2010.

• Leader: Carlos Montemayor Gonzalez, aka El Charro

• El Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (The New Generation Cartel from Jalisco)

• Former Milenio Cartel operators and formed following the death of Ignacio Coronel in 2010

• Leader: Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, aka El Mencho, Erick Valencia, aka El 85, and Martin

Arzola Ortega, aka El 53.

• Battling against La Resistencia for the Jalisco and Michoacán Plazas

• La Resistencia (The Resistance)

• Former Milenio Cartel operators and formed following the death of Ignacio Coronel in 2010

• Leader: Elpidio Mojarro, Don Pilo, and Victor Manuel Torres Garcia, aka El Papirrin.

• Supported by the Gulf Cartel and La Familia Michoacán

• South Pacific Cartel

• Created following the death of Arturo Beltran Leyva, aka El Barbas

• Leader: Hector Beltran Leyva, aka El H

• Supported by La Mano con Ojos – working to secure the plazas of Morelos and Guerrero

• Group headed by Carlos Montemayor Gonzalez, aka El Charro, (father-in-law of La Barbie)CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


On 14 JUL 2011, Honduran Naval Forces intercepted a semi-submersible 16 miles

off the Caribbean coast in the Gracias a Dios department of Honduras. This area

Although only four names were released, select

sources are reporting the arrest of five individuals. At

this point, Honduran officials will attempt to recover

the vessel in an effort to garner more evidence. Boat

captains for drug shipments on semi-submersibles

have been reportedly earning up to $50,000 USD per

trip.

Central and South America:

is located off the Coast of Cruta in the Raya sector, of the country (in close proximity to the border

of Nicaragua). Upon being intercepted by marines, the crew of four scuttled the submarine, causing

it to sink. Before the vessel sunk completely, authorities were able to retrieve at least two bundles of

drugs. However, it is estimated that the semi-submersible could have been transporting anywhere

between 3-5 metric tons (most likely of cocaine). Those individuals arrested in conjunction with this

seizure were one Honduran national and three Columbian nationals. This same semi submersible

allegedly departed from Colombia, measured 12x3 meters, was equipped with outboard motors,

and made out of fiberglass.

On 15 JUL 2011 in Necoclí, Antioquia, the Colombian Navy seized three

submarines meant to transport cocaine. According to Caracol Radio, each

submarine had the capacity to transport 2 tons of cocaine and was to be used by

Los Urabeños. They had a fuel capacity of 1,000 gallons and could reach any

part of Central America very quickly.CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE



This month Mexican Federal Police seized a cloned Red Cross trailer

transporting at least 100 undocumented Central Americans in Oaxaca, MX. The

Red Cross often use trailers to transport humanitarian aid to areas affected by

all kinds of disasters. In late 2009, Mexican authorities seized a cloned Red

Cross van that was observed driving to various parts of Mexico City.

ANALYST NOTE: Terrorist groups in the Middle East frequently utilize ambulances and medical vehicles

to transport people, bombs, and weapons. Although this incident was clearly a case of human smuggling,

it is possible DTOs may adopt this tactic as they have so many others, against other DTOs or the Mexican

government.

Significant Seizures Made by SEDENA:

• On 15 JUL 2011, soldiers discovered an abandoned ranch near the Venustiano Carranza communal

lands in Playas de Rosarito, Baja California. The soldiers seized 658 packages of marijuana weighing

1,406.9 lbs.

• Soldiers assigned to the 15th Military Zone dismantled a synthetic drug lab near the San Pablo village

in Atenguillo, Jalisco. To date in 2011, 42 drug laboratories, including the one mentioned above, and

two drug warehouses have been dismantled by soldiers operating in the 15th Military Zone.

• During two operations, soldiers in the Soyatan and Emiliano Zapata villages within the San Cristobal de

la Barranca and Mixtlan municipalities of Jalisco seized: 13 rifles; 1 grenade; 141 magazines; 38,335

rds of ammo; 462 lbs of marijuana; 17.6 lbs of marijuana seed; 8 pick-ups (3 of which were armored); 1

four wheeler; 59 black holsters; 44 radios and 3 cell phones; and Military-type clothing.

• Soldiers seized 2.2 lbs of crystal meth at the Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport in Tijuana.The

package from which the crystal meth was seized had been shipped by DHL from Mexico City.



Significant Events in Mexico (cont)On 16 JUL 2011, ―narco‖ banners addressing President Felipe Calderon,

Governor Mario Lopez Valdez and Joaquin ―el Chapo‖ Guzman were hung in

the northern municipalities of Guasave, where Grupo Elite officers were

ambushed on 15 JUL, and Los Mochis; in the centrally located state capitol

of Culiacan; and in the southern port city of Mazatlan. The banners appear to

be authored by the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO) and are directed

against the President of Mexico and the Governor of Sinaloa whom they

accuse of being in the service of their enemy, El Chapo Guzman, leader of

the Sinaloa cartel. The northern region of Sinaloa is the stronghold of Beltran

Leyva loyalists who call themselves La Mochomera or Los Mazatlecos and

are headed by ―El Chapo Isidro‖ Isidro Meza Flores. This faction remains

loyal to ―El Mochomo‖ Alfredo Beltran Leyva, brother of the deceased ―El

Jefe De Jefes‖ Arturo Beltran Leyva and Hector Beltran Leyva, head of the

Cartel del Pacifico Sur that operates in the southern states of Guerrero and

Morelos. Another leader of Los Mazatlecos, Geovany Lizarraga Ontiveros ―El

Desconocido‖ or ―El Tortillero,‖ was arrested in MAY 2011 during a Grupo

Elite state police operation in Los Mochis, Mazatlan. Nayarit and Mazatlan

were previously strongholds of the BLO but the area is being hotly disputed

by the Sinaloa Cartel. In Mazatlan and Nayarit the BLO loyalists are

supported by Zeta gunmen. Earlier this month, a decapitated body and

messages signed by ―Los Zetas y Beltran Leyvas‖ that threatened the

Governor of Sinaloa and the Mayor of Mazatlan were deposited in the main

entrances of the Mazatlan offices of both El Noroeste and El Debate, two

popular Sinaloa newspapers with statewide circulation. In a bid to keep the

BLO alive it is believed that El Mochomo continues to lead what remains of

the cartel while incarcerated in the Puente Grande federal prison in Jalisco

through encrypted messages delivered by his legal group that he consults

regularly.

Malova, don't mislead the

people. All the violence in

Mazatlan is because you

are helping Chapo Guzman

take over the plaza. How

many of Chap Guzman’s

people have you arrested?

(Malova is a moniker for

Governor Mario Lopez

Valdez of Sinaloa)

PRESIDENT CALDERON,

do you want to end the

violence? Stop supporting

CHAPO GUZMAN. That's

the solution.



Authorities in Mexico's Tamaulipas state are investigating seven officials

at the prison in Nuevo Laredo, just across the border from Laredo, TX,

where 60 inmates tied to Los Zetas escaped and seven others died on

15 JUL 2011. Warden Alfonso Ramirez Garza and six guards are being

investigated in connection with the mass escape from the Cedes 2

prison. Besides the 59 escapees, five guards remain unaccounted for.

Tamaulipas is one of the main battlegrounds in a turf war between the

Gulf cartel and Los Zetas. More than 400 inmates escaped from prisons

in Tamaulipas between JAN 2010 and MAR 2011 thanks to corrupt

prison officials. The Cedes 2 penitentiary was the scene of another mass

escape last DEC, when 151 inmates managed to escape. Friday's mass

escape came less than two months after 17 inmates tunneled their way out

of a prison in Reynosa, a city across the border from McAllen, TX. In MAR,

the person appointed to run Cedes 2 after the disappearance of the warden

who presided over the DEC escape was stabbed to death by an inmate.

Forty-one guards were charged in connection with last year's breakout from

Cedes 2. Over the weekend, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, or

Fedecaco, said the federal government was to blame for the mass prison

escapes in Mexico because it allows severe overcrowding at penitentiaries.

Fedecaco warned more than two years ago of the risk of mass escapes from

prisons if the federal government did not deal with the problem of

overcrowding. The prisons in Tamaulipas are holding more than 2,000

dangerous inmates arrested on federal charges who belong to drug cartels

and other organized crime groups. Mexico's drug cartels sometimes engineer

mass prison breaks in response to the killings and arrests of their gunmen.


Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Intelligence Center

received information from RGV Sector Intelligence

Assets regarding an ongoing gun-battle in Matamoros,

Tamaulipas, MX. Information indicated that the Mexican

Military and unknown Transnational Criminal

Organization (TCO) members were involved in a gun-

battle approximately 6 miles south of the B&M POE in


Brownsville. TCO members also placed blockades

throughout Matamoros. Mexico authorities confirmed that a

shootout took place between armed men and soldiers just

outside downtown Matamoros. Reports stated that there

were blockades and gunfire near Calle 20 and Diagonal

Cuauhtemoc. One report stated that 18 armed men were

engaged in battle with soldiers.

MONTERREY — In the northern city of Monterrey, drug-related murders this year are on pace to

double last year’s and triple those of the year before. In recent weeks, a tortured teenager was

hanged alive from a bridge. Two of the governor’s bodyguards were dismembered and

dumped with messages threatening the state leader. Last week, gunmen killed 20 people in a

bar where Ziploc bags of drugs were found, the largest mass murder to date in the metro

area of 4 million people. This week: 14 were killed in separate incidents Wednesday, eight more

Thursday. Officials say Los Zetas and the Gulf cartel divided the city when they split in early

2010 and are trying to outdo each other with grisly displays.


• Reports that gunmen murdered four people, including two police officers, in

two attacks in Monterrey. Security forces killed five gunmen in the shootout.

Reports state that men armed with large-caliber weapons staged a

simultaneous attack on an officer at a food stand outside the police, killing

him. Two men eating with the officer were also killed in the shooting.

• Reports that five gunmen are dead following a deadly clash with Mexican

soldiers in Valle Hermoso. Officials report that solders were on patrol when they came under fire by a

group of armed men. The soldiers returned fire and killed five gunmen during the battle. Authorities

seized four assault rifles, ammunition and a vehicle. The identities of the five gunmen has not been

released but the case remains under investigation.


Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA)

Military operations throughout northern Mexico yielded several tons of narcotics, weapons, ammo

and narco-tanks, states a report released this week by SEDENA. The states included in Operation

Northeast, a strategy to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime, are Coahuila, Nuevo León,

Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosí between 01 JUL and 10 JUL 2011.

Seizures:

• 385 assault rifles, 191 handguns,124,288 rds of ammo, 1,959 ammo clips, 61 grenades, four grenade

launchers, 51 military-style uniforms, 20 bulletproof vests and 16 tactical helmets.

• Push-to-talk radios and cell phones

• 18.82 tons of marijuana, 8,998 doses of small amounts for personal use of marijuana, 8,926 personal

doses of cocaine and 991 psychotropic pills.

• Arrested 122 people and rescued 30 people who were allegedly kidnapped.

• 191 vehicles and two trailers, six vehicles customized with steel plaques, aka ―monsters.‖

approximately $816,633 USD

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XirDNWyOxHs/TiZxbcYpFTI/AAAAAAAAIWM/bMqf2sBlMGY/s1600/2inde2.jpg


UPDATES & ASSESSMENT

OPERATION BORDER STAR


Absconds 30

Bailouts 17

Criminal Arrests 520

Fugitive Arrests 182


Pursuits 16

Scouts/Decoys 4

Caltrops 0

Splashdowns 0


IAs/Referrals 108

IAs/USBP 2,370

OTMs 913

OTM Countries

Brazil 1

Chile 1

China 18

Columbia 6

Costa Rica 1

Cuba 1

Dominican Republic 1

Ecuador 15

El Salvador 211

Eritrea 1

Guatemala 272

Honduras 309

India 56

Lebanon 1

Nepal 3

Nicaragua 10

North Korea 1

Peru 1

Portugal 1

South Korea 1

Sri Lanka 1

Tajikistan 1

Zambia 1

Contraband Seizures


Cocaine 482.04 lbs

Heroin 21.78 lbs

Methamphetamine 0.01 lbs

Currency $178,910.00

WeaponsHandgun(s) 21

Long Gun(s) 15


Stolen 29

Recovered 16

Combined totals from all Unified Commands during this reporting period:

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

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

methamphetamine.


OBS Weekly Assessment

Marijuana seizures decreased from 32,772.92 lbs last week to 25,149.71 lbs this

week. In the Laredo Sector, USBP Hebbronville Agents at the HWY 16 Checkpoint

seized 832.6 lbs of marijuana concealed within a lead-lined false compartment of

a horse trailer, pulled by a brown 1996 Ford F-350. In the RGV Sector, Cameron

Co SO SIU Investigators received information of a suspicious crate that had been

picked up by a local freight company. After a K-9 alerted positive to narcotics,

Investigators obtained a search warrant and found 1,482 lbs of marijuana inside

the crate. This is the third seizure since APR 2011 by Cameron Co of wooden

crates concealing marijuana at a commercial freight company warehouse. As

reported in the 24 JUN 2011 BOSA, DPS-CID Agents made a seizure involving

1,964 lbs of marijuana in wooden crates loaded in a freightliner trailer from a

warehouse in McAllen, TX. The total estimated street value for reported marijuana

seizures during this reporting period is $13.9 million.

0

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Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Marijuana (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

35,461.88

29,480.0632,772.92

25,149.71

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Marijuana Seizures (lbs) Short-Term View

Last 4 Weeks 2010 Weekly Average

2011 Weekly Average

08 APR 2011


On 12 NOV 2010, THP Brenham stopped a 1997 Ford Van on US-59 and arrested one suspect after locating 155 lbs of marijuana concealed in a

hollowed out void inside 22 sheets of plywood. The marijuana originated in Houston, TX, and was destined for Tenaha, TX.

On MAY 2010, a Ford F-350 with a stack of plywood in the truck bed on US-83 was stopped by USBP, assisted by Zavala Co SO, ATF and CBP. Agents found a false compartment within the stack of plywood

which contained 52 AR-15s, four AK-47s, one SKS, one Ruger Mini-14, one FAL rifle, and 49 assorted high-capacity magazines

In OCT 2010, USBP Agents (Laredo) followed a pickup onto a ranch where the occupants bailed out and absconded. The Agents seized 75 bundles of marijuana

weighing 1,276.8 lbs that was concealed inside stacks of plywood in the truck’s bed.

On 07 DEC 2010, THP Victoria Co seized 197.8 lbs of marijuana concealed in a false compartment made to look like stacks of plywood being transported in a 2004 Chevrolet van. The driver was from Edinburg and traveling from Pharr, TX to Houston, TX on US-59N. (This same vehicle later

was used to traffic marijuana concealed in a portable gas tank.)

On January 14, 2011, Nevada HIDTA Interdiction Task Force (ITF) officers stopped a 2005 Kenworth and discovered 141 lbs of marijuana concealed in a false compartment inside a stack of plywood. The first few sheets of plywood were full sheets; however, the center of the plywood was hollowed out. The

marijuana was transported from Northern CA to Las Vegas, NV, and was to be transported to the Midwest Region of the US. (Ref: EPIC Tactical Intel Bulletin EB11-11)

LAST WEEK’s BOSA: Guadalupe Co SO seized 67 semi-automatic weapons and ammo concealed in a void in a load of drywall and plywood on a trailer. The trailer was towed by a black Ford pickup. The male driver was

traveling on IH-10W. The driver and passengers were from Eagle Pass, TX.



OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)

Cocaine seizures almost doubled from last week’s total, from 245.94 lbs

to 482.04 lbs this week. The largest single seizure occurred in the RGV

Sector where USBP Agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint seized 203 lbs

of cocaine in the headliner of a Freightliner truck. In the Laredo Sector,

CBP/OFO Officers at the Gateway to Americas Bridge in Laredo, TX

seized 57.97 lbs of cocaine concealed within the seats of a grey 2008

Ford Fusion. The total estimated street value for reported cocaine

seizures totaled $14.2 million. For this reporting period, the cash value

of cocaine surpassed the cash value of marijuana.

Heroin and methamphetamine seizures for this week’s reporting period total 21.78 lbs and 0.01

lbs, respectively. In the RGV Sector, USBP Agents at the Sarita Checkpoint seized 21.2 lbs of

heroin from a Hyundai Sonata.

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-10

10

-Jan

-11

10

-Feb

-11

10

-Mar

-11

10

-Ap

r-1

1

10

-May

-11

10

-Ju

n-1

1

10

-Ju

l-1

1

Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Long-Term View

Cocaine (lbs) Long-Term Trendline

576.49

141.51

245.94

482.04

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Cocaine Seizures (lbs) Short-Term ViewLast 4 Weeks

2010 Weekly Average

2011 Weekly Average


X-ray machines can be defeated with lead, and the trafficking organizations have

been utilizing lead-lined compartments to attempt to circumvent the POE and

Checkpoint x-ray scanning systems. The lead-lined compartments shield the

contraband from detection, but can be detected by a trained Agent/Officer.

Frequently, the compartments are located in anomalies in the vehicle where the

Agent/Officer expects to see an open space.

CBP-OFO Eagle Pass POE #2Red 2007 Honda Civic

Two occupantsNon-Factory Compartment

Lead-linedRocker Panels

81.22 lbs of cocaine15 JULY 2011 BOSA

CBP-OFO Hidalgo POE2010 Nissan Altima

One occupantNon-Factory Compartment

Lead-linedTop of Wheel Well

12.7 lbs of heroin13 MAY 2011 BOSA

CBP-OFO Ysleta POE1999 Ford Winstar

Non-Factory CompartmentLead-lined

Under the Center Console

79.8 lbs of cocaine01 JULY 2011 BOSA

LEAD-LINED BATTERIES

USBP/Starr Co HIDTADodge P/U – City of La Grulla

Water District Truck

11.4 lbs of cocaine13 MAY 2011 BOSA

CBP-OFO Eagle Pass POE #21999 Dodge Status

11.4 lbs of cocaine29 APR 2011 BOSA

DEL RIO

RGV

EL PASO

RGV

DEL RIO


OBS Weekly Assessment (cont)

Bulk currency seizures decreased from $239,224 USD last week to

$178,910 USD this week. The largest single seizure occurred in the Coastal

Bend Sector where THP Kleberg Co seized $116,260 USD concealed in

juice packages in a 2010 Jeep Patriot SUV traveling on US-77S from

Baytown to Matamoros, MX.

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

and the criminal networks that support them of approximately $29.2 million.

Illegal alien apprehensions increased from 2,100 last week to 2,370 this week. OTM

apprehensions increased from 875 last week to 913 this week. There were four ASIC

apprehensions from Eritrea (1), Lebanon (1), North Korea (1), and Tajikistan (1).

$0

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$3,000,000

$4,000,000

$5,000,000

$6,000,000

$7,000,000

$8,000,000

10

-Ju

l-0

9

10

-Au

g-0

9

10

-Sep

-09

10

-Oct

-09

10

-No

v-0

9

10

-Dec

-09

10

-Jan

-10

10

-Feb

-10

10

-Mar

-10

10

-Ap

r-1

0

10

-May

-10

10

-Ju

n-1

0

10

-Ju

l-1

0

10

-Au

g-1

0

10

-Sep

-10

10

-Oct

-10

10

-No

v-1

0

10

-Dec

-10

10

-Jan

-11

10

-Feb

-11

10

-Mar

-11

10

-Ap

r-1

1

10

-May

-11

10

-Ju

n-1

1

10

-Ju

l-1

1

Currency Seizures ($) Long-Term View

Currency Seizures (USD) Long-Term Trendline

103,431.00

244,619.00 239,224.00

178,910.00

0.00

100,000.00

200,000.00

300,000.00

400,000.00

500,000.00

600,000.00

700,000.00

800,000.00

900,000.00

1-Jul-11 8-Jul-11 15-Jul-11 22-Jul-11

Currency Seizures ($) Short-Term ViewLast 4 Weeks

2010 Weekly Average

2011 Weekly Average


B

O

S

A

R

e

v

i

s

i

t

e

d

Car seat Concealments

Although seat concealments are not uncommon, there has been an increase in this

method in the last several months. Since JAN 2011, the majority of seat concealments

occurred in the El Paso Sector, followed by the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Sectors,

involving no specific type of vehicle or contraband. Two recent seizures involved

electronically controlled compartments in the back car seats.

Hidden electronic compartment

under the left rear seat. The

compartment contained 6 kilos of

cocaine wrapped in sheets of lead.

Electronically

controlled

smuggling

compartment.

Electronic

piston

20 JUL 2011

20 MAY 2011

26 JUN 2011

15 JUL 2011

22 MAY 2011

22 JUL 2011



There continues to be reports of suspects impersonating police officers in the RGV Sector. This

tactic is often used by Mexican cartel members against private citizens in Mexico. There has been a

marked increase in the number of these incidences in Texas, especially in the RGV Sector. This

poses a great risk to both officers and the public. During this reporting period, both incidences

occurred in Harlingen, TX.

Officer Safety: Police Impersonators

On 18 JUL 2011, three male subjects, posing as FBI agents, took a

victim’s 2006 blue Dodge Durango at the intersection of Bass Blvd

and Expressway 83 in Harlingen, TX. The victims stated that three

men in a white, full-sized van flashed their lights and pulled him

over. One of the subjects displayed a silver handgun and another a

red club.

Theft of Law Enforcement EquipmentIn the RGV Sector on 21 JUL 2011, unknown subject(s) burglarized a US

Marshals Agent’s vehicle parked outside a apartment complex and stole a

black bullet proof vest, a blue wind breaker, and a blue baseball cap all with

―US Marshals‖ on it.

The BOSA has reported on seven incidences since 21 JAN 2011 of subjects

stealing police equipment such as uniforms, tactical gear, and weapons from

law enforcement vehicles.



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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