U.S. Border Patrol Agents Arrest 6 Backpackers

Tucson, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector’s Ajo Station arrested six illegal aliens Wednesday evening for smuggling marijuana into the United States. Agents seized the marijuana which has an estimated value of $452,000.

Border Patrol agents operating surveillance technology detected a group of suspected illegal aliens near State Route 85. Agents then tracked footprints left by the group and encountered six individuals with large bundles fashioned into backpacks. The backpacks, which contained a total of 565 pounds of marijuana, were transported to the Ajo Station for processing. The illegal aliens are being held pending prosecution.

“By equipping our personnel with advanced surveillance technology, our situational awareness in remote border areas is greatly enhanced,” said Patrol Agent in Charge Jack Jeffreys. “Ajo agents are committed to the mission of the Border Patrol and bringing all smugglers who attempt to cross the West Desert to an appropriate law enforcement resolution.”

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.