Jul 2, 20211 min read

Texas DPS Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) assisted at Border with Search

On a recent Border Interdiction Flight as part of Operation Lone Star, DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) assisted the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs Air and Marine Unit with their search for a group of individuals who were suspected of entering the country illegally. The location Border Patrol was trying to reach was rough terrain in the Big Bend area and not accessible by car, so AOD stepped in to assist. Our helicopter crew helped Border Patrol land in this area and provided additional ground support for their team.

Border Patrol apprehended eight suspects, and AOD assisted in transporting them from the remote mountainous terrain to a nearby area accessible by car. However, during the transport, AOD observed four large bundles of narcotics being backpacked and transported by smugglers. Our aircrew landed and secured the four bundles of drugs. In the process, Border Patrol’s aircrew also located another four bundles, for a total of eight bundles of drugs seized. The total weight for the eight bundles of marijuana seized was 430.8 lbs.

This is just one example of how DPS continues to work with U.S. Border Patrol and our other law enforcement partners to enhance border security by apprehending criminals and seizing narcotics before they reach the streets. #OperationLoneStar #BorderSecurity