SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – An aerostat used by Customs and Border Protection is helping agents stop illegal activity at South Padre Island.

There are currently eight aerostats across the Rio Grande Valley.  

KRGV’s Trason Bragg reached out to CBP to learn more about the surveillance device, which is valued at $10 million.

The feds tell us they are increasing their efforts to combat smuggling.

CBP says the aerostat is part of a demonstration program called Tactical Maritime Laboratory.

Watch the video above for the full story.