Texas DPS Seizes 153 lbs of Fentanyl, Two Arrested at Laredo Border

2 min read

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agents, in collaboration with federal law enforcement, seized over 153 pounds of narcotics during a commercial vehicle inspection at the Laredo Port of Entry in Webb County. The operation was part of Operation Lone Star, a joint effort to combat drug smuggling and illegal immigration.

Fentanyl Seizure and Drug Charges

The inspection uncovered 26 pounds of methamphetamine, 18 pounds of heroin, 15 pounds of eutylone, and a significant 94 pounds of fentanyl. This amount translates to over 19.8 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl, which could have led to numerous fatalities if distributed on the streets. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is over $1.4 million.

DPS special agents conducted the operation at the request of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Following the seizure, two individuals were arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. The driver, Ernesto Jaime, 53, from Wisconsin, and the passenger, Enrique Ramirez Valle, 51, from Oklahoma, were taken into custody and sent to Webb County jail.

Operation Lone Star and Border Security

Operation Lone Star continues to play a crucial role in securing the U.S.-Mexico border. The DPS has been actively working alongside federal agencies to intercept illegal drugs and apprehend undocumented immigrants. The recent fentanyl seizure underscores the ongoing threat posed by drug trafficking networks operating near the border.

DPS has also been involved in other operations, such as tracking down groups of illegal aliens hiding in the brush on a private ranch in Dimmit County. DPS Border Mounted Patrol took over the tracking efforts after extreme heat conditions made it difficult for the K-9 unit to continue.

Legal and Constitutional Context

Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution grants the federal government the authority to protect states from invasion and domestic violence. While not directly related to the drug seizure, it highlights the broader role of federal agencies in maintaining national security and public safety.

Source: The Gateway Pundit

Written by

Connor Davis