Texas game wardens have concluded two separate week-long enforcement operations in South Texas that led to the seizure of more than 10,000 feet of illegal gill net, approximately two tons of marijuana, and the filing of numerous other criminal cases. The two operations – which involved dozens of game wardens — focused on detecting and reducing criminal activity including apprehending poachers, trespassers, human smugglers, and drug smugglers in rural areas along the south Texas border region.
Operation Brush Guard took place near Kingsville and Falfurrias while Operation Tilapia focused on Lake Falcon, near Zapata. The combined operations included integral support from the U.S. Border Patrol, county sheriffs and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
While on Lake Falcon, game wardens seized nearly two tons of marijuana from three boats while conducting surveillance on gill netters from Mexico.
During Operation Brush Guard, 345 pounds of marijuana and 3.9 grams of cocaine were seized. Additionally, game wardens filed 14 citations and warnings, and made 4 arrests.
In total, seizures from both operations included 10,240 feet of illegal gill net, 5 vessels, 4 outboard motors, 9 vehicles, 3.9 grams of cocaine, and 4,291 pounds of marijuana.