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WEDNESDAYAUGUST 8, 2018
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FALCON LAKE
Over 1,000 pounds of pot seized Law enforcement partners find 48 bundles on shore ZA PATA T I ME S
A collaborative effort between the Laredo Sector Border Patrol and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department resulted in the discovery of marijuana bundles abandoned on the shore of Falcon Lake near Zapata. On Sunday, Zapata Border Patrol agents observed boat activity on the U.S. side of Falcon Lake. Simultaneously, a
report was made to Falcon State Park officials of an abandoned boat in the same vicinity. Border Patrol agents, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens responded and discovered the abandoned boat. After further inspection of the boat, a total of 48 bundles were discovered that tested positive for marijuana. The bundles had a total weight of 1,074 pounds with an estimated street value of $859,888.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
“This enforcement action demonstrates the U.S. Border Patrol's commitment to work with law enforcement partners to disrupt illicit activity, and deny criminal organizations the ability to operate,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department seized the boat and the marijuana was turned over to the Border Patrol for processing.
Border Patrol / Courtesy photo
Laredo Sector Border Patrol and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department discovered 48 bundles of marijuana.
TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER
Effort seeks to curb deaths Courtesy photo
Pictured at the “Access to Capital” Forum and Small Business Resource fair at TAMIU are, from left, Jose Zuniga, Edward Farias, Mike Gonzalez, Nina Ramon, David Dodier, Jemerell Rogers and Francis Atwell.
‘Access to Capital’ event held at TAMIU ZA PATA T I ME S
The office of Congressman Henry Cuellar, in collaboration with the TAMIU Small Business Development Center, hosted the “Access to Capital” Forum and Small Business Resource fair to promote resources for business financing. This event took place last week at Texas A&M International University, and it brought together business owners and community members of LaSalle, Webb and Zapata counties that are looking to start or expand their business. This provided them with an opportunity to learn more about federal and private financing resources
from financial institutions in Laredo. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” Cuellar said. “It is a pleasure to work with the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center to coordinate events such as ‘Access to Capital’ to bring together business owners, federal agencies and constituents interested in starting their entrepreneurial career. Cuellar continued, “As a former small business owner, I know the challenges of opening a business, including finding the resources and funds to get started, and just as important, how Event continues on A13
ZAPATA, TEXAS
US Small Business Administration to host information seminar Aug. 15 Olivia P. Tallet / Olivia P. Tallet/Houston Chronicle ZA PATA T I ME S
Thinking about starting a small business, but have no idea where to start? Wondering if small business ownership is for you? Starting a business is an exciting proposition, but it's also an incredibly challenging undertaking. Are you an existing business and is your business needing to grow? Are you needing working capital to expand? Have you
considered business certifications or government contracting? On Aug. 15, the U.S. Small Business Administration will be offering a free seminar in Zapata to provide information on what it has to offer: 1 Whether any of our programs are a fit for you 1 Whether you would qualify for a small business loan 1 If your business is eligible for Seminar continues on A13
A volunteer works with the Water Station Project that provides water for border crossers.
Signs erected to aid those in need of help SPECIAL TO THE TIME S
Deaths of unauthorized border crossers have risen 46 percent along the vast Texas-Mexico border as the region experiences torrid summer temperatures, resulting in a grim tally that almost doubled last year’s
death toll in some sectors such as Del Rio, according to the U.S. Border Patrol. The plight of immigrants who perish while attempting to walk inland across the scorching border brushland on their way to interior cities has long been a persistent dilemma in
Texas, and it has prompted a recent initiative by Mexican and Central American diplomats that is producing closer communication with U.S. border authorities. Earlier this month, they toured the Rio Grande Valley Border continues on A13