Tucson, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Station’s All-Terrain Unit (ATU) seized approximately 1,700 pounds of marijuana Saturday worth more than $1.3 million in the west desert.
Agents were tracking foot sign of a group of suspected illegal aliens about 20 miles west of Lukeville, Ariz., when they discovered 84 bundles of marijuana. After securing the area, the agents continued the search for the backpackers but were unable to locate the individuals. The marijuana was transported and processed at the Ajo Station pending transfer to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
With the effective deployment of manpower, technology and infrastructure, the U.S. Border Patrol continues to protect our communities against the flow of illegal drugs. The Border Patrol is dedicated to keeping illegal drugs out of our communities. From Oct. 1, 2009 to Aug 31, 2010, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol seized more than 940,000 pounds of marijuana exceeding $752 million in value.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
