SANTA MARIA - Nearly 600 pounds of marijuana were seized by Border Patrol agents on Friday. The agents were patrolling the river near Santa Maria when they discovered nine people preparing to cross the Rio Grande. Each person was reportedly carrying a bundle of marijuana. 
     Air and Marine Operations sent a helicopter to the scene which caused the smugglers to hesitate crossing over from Mexico. Their hesitation allowed the Mexican Military to respond and intercept the alleged smugglers and their load.
     In addition to the 561 pounds of marijuana, the bi-national seizure resulted in the capture of six alleged smugglers.