The Texas Department of Public Safety announced on May 1 that troopers seized 460 pounds of marijuana following a high-speed chase in Starr County last week.
According to the department, the incident occurred on April 23 just after 10:30 a.m. when a trooper attempted to stop a maroon Chevy Avalanche for a traffic violation on US-83 in Escobares. The driver did not stop and led officers on a high-speed pursuit before crashing into a fence. After the crash, the driver tried to flee but was arrested at the scene. A search of the vehicle revealed 40 tape-wrapped bundles of marijuana located in both the bed and passenger seats, with an estimated street value of $115,000.
The driver was identified as Angel Alberto Reyes, age 25, from Round Rock. He has been charged with possession of marijuana and transported to Starr County Jail.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is responsible for protecting and serving Texas through its various divisions such as the Texas Rangers and Highway Patrol according to its official website. The agency manages facilities across Texas including its headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin according to its official website, operates more than 5,000 vehicles with over 11,000 personnel statewide according to its official website, and functions under governance by the Public Safety Commission according to its official website.
The department’s cultural heritage is reflected through entities like the Texas Rangers who have appeared in books, films, and television programs according to its official website. Its Ranger creed states that no wrongdoer can overcome someone committed to justice according to its official website. The agency also achieved recognition when it stopped criminal activities by notorious figures in 1934 according to its official website.
This recent seizure highlights ongoing efforts by state law enforcement agencies like DPS in combating drug trafficking across South Texas.
