HIDALGO – Federal agents say cartels are exploiting a new tactic to smuggle drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border.

After discovering drugs and people were being smuggled through a large storm drain years ago, Hidalgo police partnered with Border Patrol to build a custom grate to cover the large opening while allowing water to flow.

Border Patrol Agent Herman Rivera says the grates were successful until their Special Operations Detachment Group found seven long, slim custom-made bundles of marijuana inside the drain.

Officials determined the bundles’ estimated street value at $104,000.

Rivera says they will continue to use their partnership to combat this new style of smuggling. 

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