Highlighting a significant bust in the ongoing war on drugs, Texas law enforcement recently seized over six million dollars' worth of cocaine in Hidalgo County as part of Operation Lone Star, an initiative that aims to curb illegal activity and enhance border security. Governor Greg Abbott has been vocal about the efforts, underscoring the collaboration between the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Texas National Guard, and the Trump Administration in addressing the security concerns along the Texan border.
As reported by the Governor's Office, since the start of the operation, over 531,600 individuals have been apprehended for illegally entering the United States. More than 51,300 criminal arrests have been made, with over 43,800 of those being felony charges. An astonishing amount of fentanyl has also been seized—over 626 million lethal doses, signifying an immense effort toward mitigating the fentanyl crisis that plagues the nation.
The recent enforcement actions included the capture of more than 500 pounds of cocaine, netting an estimated street value of $6.8 million. The substance was found in a truck-tractor semitrailer at the Pharr Port of Entry, concealed within plastic-wrapped bundles. The driver, Mario Robledo, was arrested and charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance, as confirmed by the DPS.
In addition to drug seizures, border security personnel have been actively patrolling the regions prone to smuggling activities. This includes the DPS Border Mounted Patrol Unit along with the U.S. Border Patrol Horse Unit, who together, followed shoe tracks for miles on a private ranch leading to the arrest of two individuals. An incident involving a Texas National Guard's Tactical Marine Unit resulted in the confiscation of 43 pounds of narcotics being smuggled across the Rio Grande River, further underscoring an intense focus on halting illegal cross-border activities.
Training and preparedness form a critical part of Operation Lone Star, with the National Guard soldiers receiving specialized baton training to enhance their tactical capabilities. Ensuring proper stance, controlled strikes, and learning de-escalation techniques are integral to the operation's adherence to professional response protocols in the field. Soldiers have also been equipped with handcuffs and batons, having been deputized with Title 8 authority by the Border Patrol to efficiently aid in the mission's objectives.
Amidst these varied initiatives, Texas continues to affirm its stance on immigration enforcement. Speaking on the state's efforts, a soldier involved with the operation reflected on the satisfaction derived from their participation. "My favorite part of Operation Lone Star is being able to work with the brush response teams. I feel like I am making a difference and border crossings have been down significantly. Everyone has a role to play — preventing, deterring, and interdicting any illegal traffic," the soldier told the Governor's Office.
