Mobile Surveillance Systems aid in Marijuana Seizures

Tucson, Ariz. – In two incidents over the weekend, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector’s Casa Grande Station seized a total of 1,160 pounds of marijuana. The estimated value of the contraband is approximately $935,000.

Border Patrol agents operating a Mobile Surveillance System (MSS) detected a group of suspected illegal aliens in a remote location near the United States/Mexico International Boundary. Upon arrival to the location, agents discovered backpacks of marijuana hidden in a wash. Evidence obtained at the scene indicated that the smugglers absconded into Mexico to avoid arrest. The marijuana, weighing 615 pounds, was transported to the Casa Grande Station for processing.

In a separate incident, agents, who were also operating an MSS, detected another group of suspected illegal aliens. 

Agents assigned to the Motorcycle Unit, working in tandem with the Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine, responded to interdict the group. The collective effort resulted in 554 pounds of marijuana seized and three arrests. The suspects and the marijuana were transported to the Casa Grande Station for processing.

“With the deployment of advanced detection technology and increasing numbers of personnel, it is become more and more difficult for transnational criminals to conduct operations in the West Desert,” stated Associate Chief Raleigh Leonard. “You also have literally hundreds of Southern Arizona law enforcement officers all working together in a united front with a focus on disrupting, degrading, and dismantling transnational criminal networks.”

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.