$1 Million Worth of Marijuana Seized by Agents at Strategically Placed Camp Grip

December 09, 2009: For the fourth time in a week, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to work out of Camp Grip prevented backpackers from smuggling drugs through a desolate area of southwest Arizona.

Early Tuesday morning, agents detected the illegal entry of six individuals about 30 miles west of the Lukeville. While tracking the set footprints across the desert, Border Patrol agents located six abandoned makeshift backpacks of marijuana along the groups’ path. Agents secured the contraband and continued tracking the group. The group of suspected smugglers doubled back and returned to Mexico.

Agents seized 286 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $229,200. The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Tuesday’s seizure brings the total amount of marijuana seized since Thursday to 1,371 pounds with an estimate street value of $1,096,800.

Camp Grip is Yuma Sector’s tactically deployed forward operating base that is designed to maintain operational control of the seam between the Yuma and Tucson Sectors. The success of Camp Grip demonstrates the Border Patrol’s ability to mobilize its enforcement stance along the southwest border where needed. These bases act as a deterrent and an additional detection platform, ensuring that smuggling organizations understand that if they operate in these areas, they will be pursued and apprehended.