Tucson Sector Border Patrol Seizes Nearly One Ton of Marijuana

Narcotics have estimated value of almost $1 million

Tucson, Ariz. – In three separate incidents over a 24-hour period, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,940 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $970,000.

Yesterday morning, Ajo Station agents working northwest of Lukeville, Ariz., discovered 11 bundles of marijuana abandoned in the desert. The narcotics, weighing 569 pounds with an estimated value of $284,500, were seized and transported to the Ajo Station for processing.

Early Thursday, the Ajo Station All Terrain Vehicle Unit discovered 14 bundles of marijuana abandoned in the desert northeast of Lukeville, Ariz. with assistance from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter. The narcotics, weighing 710 pounds with an estimated value of $355,000, were seized and transported to the Ajo Station for processing.

Also yesterday, agents assigned to the Sonoita Station Horse Patrol Unit and a Border Patrol canine team discovered 13 bundles of marijuana hidden by smugglers underneath brush. The marijuana, weighing 661 pounds with an approximate value of $330,500, was transported to the Sonoita Station for processing.

Abandoned narcotics are a direct result of the Border Patrol’s increased efforts to disrupt and deny transnational criminal organizations from operating in the Tucson Sector. Smugglers will often abandon their drug loads rather than risk apprehension and face prosecution.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments towards establishing a secure and safe border environment and improving the quality of life throughout the communities in the state of Arizona.

The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling toll free (1-877) 872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

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.