BORDER PATROL DRUG SEIZURES UP, ARRESTS DOWN

Border Patrol operations in the Rio Grande Valley for fiscal year
2006 yielded higher drug seizures and lower apprehension rates than
the previous year, according to the agency.

Through a combination of manpower, technology and operations, the
Border Patrol in the Valley boasted the most productive checkpoints
in the country and a sharp decrease in other than Mexican (OTM)
arrests, spokesman Roy Cervantes said.

Fiscal year 2006, which ended in October, was an eventful year for
the agency. The National Guard joined the patrol in the Valley for
Operation Jumpstart, a national effort to secure the border.

A new policy that mandated 100 percent detention contributed to a
decline in total apprehensions, Cervantes said.

"The hard work of our agents and the right combination of technology,
coupled with the deterrent factor of 100 percent detention has
contributed to a decrease in apprehensions," he said.

Valley Border Patrol agents seized more cocaine than any other sector
in the country, a 140 percent increase over fiscal year 2005, and
came in number two for marijuana seizures. The total value of all
drugs seized in fiscal year 2006 surpassed $423 million.

"Technology plays a big role in the seizure of narcotics in the
sector," Cervantes said, adding that marijuana seizures continue to rise.

Total apprehensions were down this year as well, the agency reported.
The Valley sector of the Border Patrol has the highest number of OTM
immigrants in the country and reported a 35 percent decrease in OTM arrests.

The agency prosecuted 6,249 cases in federal court for charges
ranging from illegal entry to alien smuggling. A 61 percent increase
in alien smuggling cases this fiscal year also yielded 2,072 vehicles
seized from smugglers.

Cervantes attributed part of this increase to agency initiatives
aimed at intercepting smuggling loads along U.S. Highway 281 and
Highway 77 before checkpoints.

Agents found 546 people primarily from confined spaces, such as
railroad cars and tractor trailers, in fiscal year 2006, compared to
159 last year,.

The agency also reported a total of 55 assaults against agents,
including shootings, rock throwing, vehicular assaults and threats.

The Border Patrol in the Rio Grande Valley sector seized more cocaine
than any other sector in the country in fiscal year 2006. Total
apprehensions, including the other than Mexican category, are down
significantly, as well.

Total apprehensions down 18 percent OTM apprehensions down 35 percent
Total value of drug seizures $423,048,768 Highest cocaine seizures in
the country: 7,186 Second-highest marijuana seizures: 22,842
Smuggling cases up 61 percent 76 Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang
members arrested 55 assaults against agents Rescued 546 people
Source: Rio Grande Valley sector Border Patrol