ZAPATA, Tex. (KGNS) - Zapata Border Patrol, in collaboration with the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office, stopped a narcotics smuggling attempt at Falcon Lake.

The details of the attempt were shared on the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector Facebook page on Wednesday, November 27, at 12:28 p.m.

Authorities were able to recover 15 bundles worth of narcotics which had been offloaded from a broad nearby.

According to agents and deputies, the boat carrying the narcotics fled the scene before agents could catch up to it.

The substances found inside the bundles were tested and came out positive for marijuana, with a combined weight of 167 pounds.

The U.S Border Patrol Laredo Sector reminds the public to report any suspicious activities to local authorities.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department is looking to the community for help tracking down two suspects concerning a robbery case.

The robbery happened at a convenience store in the 2400 block of North Meadow Avenue on Friday, November 22.

If you have any information on these two or the case, please call Laredo Police at (956) 795-2800 or Laredo Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS (8477).

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Zacate Creek Green District Coalition is calling on the community to get involved in a nature restoration project at the Las Palmas Nature Trail. The trail, located east of Bridge Two along the Rio Grande near Zacate Creek, is the focus of efforts to remove invasive plant species.

Community Involvement Opportunity

Volunteers can assist in marking invasive species, such as salt cedar, China berry, and giant cane, which will be removed by contractors over the next three months.

“These plants are not native to the area and consume large amounts of water,” explained Roque Haynes of the Zacate Creek Green District Coalition. “We’re asking residents to tag invasive species so contractors know what to remove and what to keep.”

What’s Next?

After the invasive plants are removed, the coalition will begin reforesting the area with native species like mesquite and retama to restore the ecosystem.

For those interested in contributing to the project, now is the time to lend a hand in this important environmental effort.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - CBP officials are introducing new strategies to manage the annual surge in traffic during the Thanksgiving and Black Friday holiday season. While CBP processes an average of 10,000 vehicles daily, that number can climb to 15,000 during peak periods.

Streamlining the Entry Process

To help alleviate congestion, CBP encourages travelers to start the entry process before reaching the bridge.

“We recommend the traveling public utilize the CBP One Mobile App to apply for their I-94 tourist permit electronically,” said Rick Pauza from the CBP public affairs office. “They can also pay electronically, which saves time. Additionally, we have a Mobile Enrollment Center for I-94 issuance at the Outlet Shoppes of Laredo.”

Mobile Enrollment Center Details

• Location: First floor of the Outlet Shoppes of Laredo

• Hours:

  • Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

  • Sunday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

These measures aim to streamline the process for travelers and reduce wait times at the border during the busy holiday season.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo Police responded to an overdose call near the 500 block of Pitaya Dr. over the weekend.

The incident was reported on Saturday, November 23, at 3:51 p.m.

Once officers arrived at the scene, they found a 30-year-old male victim no longer showing signs of life.

The officers then requested Laredo Fire paramedics who confirmed the victim was deceased.

Afterward, the Overdose Task Force was called in and marked the incident as the 35th overdose victim of the year.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Border Patrol agents in North Laredo assisted the Department of Public Safety (DPS) with a chase involving a stolen pickup truck on I-35.

Once authorities caught up to the vehicle, the occupants inside fled into the nearby brush to escape capture.

Texas Game Wardens, DPS and Laredo North Border Patrol agents worked together to track and apprehend several undocumented non-citizens who were traveling in the vehicle.

DPS safely recovered the stolen vehicle and all subjects were taken into custody by Border Patrol and processed.

The information regarding the incident was shared on the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector Facebook page on Monday, November 25, at around 8:30 a.m.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Very warm air from Mexico will occupy our area during Monday. The southern edge of a Great Plains airmass will bring cooler air during Tuesday. Warmer air will quickly return Wednesday followed by northerly winds by midday Thanksgiving. Temperatures will reach around 80 midday on Thanksgiving day with breezy, cooler weather during the afternoon.