CBP in Ariz. Seizes $10M in Narcotics, Apprehends More Than 3,200

Tucson, Ariz. — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Joint Field Command in Arizona today reported $10 million in narcotics seizures for the period of March 14-21 and 3,262 apprehensions of illegal aliens at the Arizona border.

The narcotics seizures consisted of more than 17,500 pounds of marijuana, 47 pounds of methamphetamines and 180 pounds of cocaine. CBP also intercepted nearly 230 rounds of ammunition during southbound operations at the ports and seized 61 vehicles used for illicit purposes.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Obama administration has engaged in an unprecedented effort to bring focus and intensity to Southwest border security, coupled with a reinvigorated, smart and effective approach to enforcing immigration laws in the interior of our country.

The Joint Field Command integrates the combined assets of the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol sectors, the Office of Field Operations' Tucson Field Office and the Office of Air and Marine's Tucson and Yuma Air Branches, enabling CBP leadership in the Arizona area of operations to direct an integrated approach to our mission of border security, commerical enforcement and trade facilitation.

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.