NEAR SANTA MARIA – Border Patrol agents seized more than 500 pounds of marijuana near Santa Maria last Thursday, Dec. 14.

A spokesman for the agency said agents patrolling the area noticed a suspicious vehicle near the Rio Grande, about two miles from a residential area.

As they approached, the driver of the SUV tried to drive the vehicle into the river.

Agents said they got there in time to seize eight bundles, which valued at more than $400,000.

According to a CBP press release, a total of seven subjects were seen swimming back to Mexico.

Residents in the area said illegal activity is a common thing especially since they are so close to the border.