CBP Agents In Southern Arizona Seize More Than 3,000 Pounds of Marijuana Over Long Weekend

Tucson, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector, a component of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, seized 3,159 pounds of marijuana, worth more than $1.5 million, during multiple weekend seizures.

Monday night, Casa Grande Station agents using detection technology responded to a group of suspected narcotics smugglers. With the assistance of a CBP aircraft, agents apprehended ten subjects and seized 608 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $304,000. The narcotics were transported to the Ajo Station for further processing. The subjects face possible federal drug charges.

Monday afternoon, Douglas Station agents responded to notification from a mobile surveillance system operator of a suspicious truck driving off road, northbound from the international border. Agents approached the vehicle, initiated a vehicle stop, and discovered 441 bricks of marijuana concealed throughout the vehicle. The bricks, weighing 760 pounds and worth an estimated $380,000, were seized along with the vehicle. The driver, a United States citizen, was arrested.

Saturday morning, Ajo agents operating mobile surveillance equipment observed a group of suspected narcotics smugglers just north of the border. When agents responded, they found 10 bundles of abandoned marijuana weighing nearly 513 pounds and valued at $256,000.

Friday, mobile surveillance operators from Douglas notified agents of narcotics smugglers just north of the border. As agents responded, the subjects ran back into Mexico. Coordinated efforts were made with Mexican authorities who then captured the subjects in possession of 132 pounds of marijuana.

Also on Friday, Ajo agents assisted by CBP air assets located 16 bundles of abandoned marijuana weighing 801 pounds and valued at $400,500.

In a separate incident Friday, Ajo agents apprehended a female United States citizen attempting to traffic 223 pounds of marijuana into the United States worth $111,500. Following her arrest, she admitted having an alliance to the “Red Pride” and “Bloods” – California based gangs. The female will be presented for federal drug charges.

In Nogales, a canine team working the Interstate 19 checkpoint Friday discovered 22 pounds of marijuana in a vehicle driven by female U.S. citizen traveling with three minor children. The occupants were transported to the station for processing. Child Protective Services was notified and the children were turned over to the driver’s mother.

Willcox Station agents attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle traveling north on State Route 90 Friday, but the vehicle fled. With assistance from Arizona Department of Safety, a Controlled Tire Deflation Device was deployed and the vehicle hit a barbed wire fence. The driver fled from the vehicle and absconded into the desert. Agents discovered 77 bricks of marijuana inside the vehicle. The vehicle and narcotics were transported to the station for processing. The marijuana, weighing 100 pounds, was valued at $50,000.

Proven technology, improved infrastructure, additional personnel and unprecedented cooperation with partner agencies, significantly strengthens the Border Patrol’s ability to prevent narcotics and other contraband from entering Arizona communities.

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.