Thursday, April 22, 2010

Border Patrol in Arizona Seizes More than $4.5 Million in Marijuana


April 21, 2010 - Tucson, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector made four significant marijuana seizures in the past two days, seizing more than 5,600 pounds with an estimated street value exceeding $4.5 million.

These seizures represent a change in the trend smugglers have been using in recent weeks. In three incidents, agents responded to suspected illegal alien traffic and discovered abandoned vehicles containing marijuana. In the fourth incident, agents approaching a group of backpackers carrying suspected contraband found the group had absconded toward Mexico but not before discarding their load.

A combination of technology and sign cutting (tracking skills) resulted in these successful seizures. Agents remain steadfast in their commitment to protect the border and our communities from all threats, including illegal drugs.

The Tucson Sector has seized more than 552,000 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $442 million, in the first half of this fiscal year, which started Oct. 1, 2009. During the same time last year, Tucson Sector agents seized roughly 595,000 pounds.

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