The Eagle Ford Shale's network of private roads is being exploited by drug cartels. In March, two trucks were stopped on Briscoe Ranch and almost 19,000 pounds of marijuana was confiscated. That's a record for the Border Patrol's Del Rio Sector.

Don't expect this to be the last time you hear about drugs in South Texas. The amount of truck traffic and the sheer population growth make the Eagle Ford area a prime target for smugglers. The area simply isn't as remote as it once was.

In some cases, vehicles have been stolen and believed to have been used by smugglers.

As Border Patrol steps up its efforts, you can bet on the cartels getting more creative. The largest load that has been confiscated was being stored in a tanker truck. Larger trucks on the roads mean the smugglers can use larger trucks to bring drugs into the country. If you're working in South Texas, keep an eye open for suspicious activity. It's imperative we protect our border from cartels and terrorist.

Read more at chron.com