Tucson, AZ. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector, a component of the Joint Field Command-Arizona, seized 1,861 pounds of marijuana worth $1.3 million in two separate incidents during the weekend.
Casa Grande Station agents observed a white Chevrolet Tahoe driving on a dirt road through the desert with its headlights off at approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday. When agents attempted to stop the vehicle, the vehicle went off-road. By the time agents encountered the Tahoe, the suspects had abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Inside the vehicle, agents discovered 59 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,250 pounds and worth an estimated $1 million. The vehicle and narcotics were seized and transported to the Casa Grande Station for processing.
In another incident, Douglas agents responded to a suspicious vehicle west of Douglas Saturday evening. Agents stopped a white pick-up truck driven by a resident of Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, who had illegally entered the United States. After a canine alerted to the vehicle, agents located 131 small bundles of marijuana hidden in the seats and in the cab of the truck. The narcotics had a total weight of 611 pounds and an estimated value of $305,500. The driver was arrested. The vehicle and narcotics were seized and transported to the Douglas Station for processing. (Photos available)
Increased infrastructure, manpower and technology, combined with a robust consequence delivery system, continue to pressure transnational criminal organizations. Smugglers commonly abandon their drug loads rather than risk apprehension and prosecution. Agents remain dedicated to detecting smuggling attempts and preventing illegal drugs from entering our country.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
CBP announced the JFC-AZ in February 2011 as an organizational realignment that brings together the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and their Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, under a unified command structure. JFC-AZ integrates CBP’s border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to more effectively meet the unique challenges faced in Arizona. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit the attach link for more information. ( Arizona )
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.
