BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) _ Customs and Border Protection officials say authorities have recovered nearly $1 million of marijuana in a vehicle that smugglers allegedly submerged in the Rio Grande in mid-October.
The San Antonio Express-News reports that Border Patrol agents and state troopers recovered 1,227 pounds in the Mercury Grand Marquis which smugglers apparently drove into the water during a pursuit.
CBP says smugglers often do this to avoid being caught and to salvage as much contraband as possible later.
Efforts are under way to remove vehicles to minimize environmental damage to the river. Boulders placed on the banks south of Anzalduas Park in Mission have created a vehicle barrier, and the agency is considering putting them elsewhere.
The 25 bundles of marijuana have an estimated street value of $981,600.