Commercial driver graduates get one last lesson

HARLINGEN — There was a final lesson to learn yesterday afternoon.

Before they could be sent out into the truck driving world, commercial driver’s license graduates were told by the United States Border Patrol about possible challenges they might face if they are ever exposed to smuggling.

After three long weeks of studying, the graduating class from TexasStateTechnicalCollege’s ProfessionalDrivingAcademy was introduced to the “Texas Hold ‘Em” initiative in the university auditorium surrounded by friends and family.

It is an intervention program aimed at drivers and used by the Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol to rely on existing laws to revoke licenses of persons convicted of human and or drug smuggling.

While presenting to the class, keynote speaker Border Patrol Agent Javier Sandoval said all drivers are at risk of being recruited by smugglers.

Smugglers will approach them at truck stops, parking lots and anywhere a driver is conducting business, he said.

Depending on the level of the certificate, a truck driver can make between 30 to 50 cents per mile, while some can get paid $300 to smuggle 100 pounds of drugs or $100 per person, Sandoval said.

“Smugglers will pay drivers in money, prostitutes and drugs for their services,” he said.

Given these factors, Sandoval said smuggling can be appealing to some.

 “This is your truck and you are responsible,” he said.