By ALLEY COWGILL
Port Isabel-South Padre Press
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An anonymous tip from a concerned citizen led authorities to find more than 1,600 pounds of marijuana in the sand 14 miles north of beach access 5 on July 11. Officials say the drugs have an estimated value of $1 million.
Mario Antonio San Carmento from Veracruz, Mexico was arrested and arraigned on federal charges for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
San Carmento was suspected of being involved when he claimed to be fishing though he had no fishing gear, no bait and no hook. San Carmento has yet to reveal any accomplices.
Authorities believe the marijuana was intended for distribution farther north. Speaking of the beach drop off as a waypoint, Chief Deputy, Gus Reyna, Jr., of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, said “this area is just another cross point other than the Rio Grande.”
“The Coast Guard plays a major role in the deterrence and we’ve managed to pick up quite a bit of it before it’s distributed,” he said.
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