Border Patrol Seizes Pot Valued at $1.6+ Million

Tucson, Ariz. – Seven narcotics smugglers and 126 bundles of marijuana worth in excess of $1.6 million were picked up yesterday by Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents working in multiple locations throughout southern Arizona.

Casa Grande agents aided by detection technology apprehended five Mexican nationals and seized 11 backpacks of marijuana weighing 571 pounds. The subjects were transported to the station for processing and will face federal charges. The narcotics, valued at $285,500, will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Two smugglers attempting to elude authorities by splitting up and abandoning their vehicles were apprehended by agents from the Nogales Station. The vehicles contained a total of 82 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,985 pounds and worth an estimated $992,500. The vehicles were seized and the subjects will face federal charges. The narcotics will be turned over to DEA.

In a third incident, agents from Ajo Station’s All Terrain Unit responded to a report of narcotics smuggling four miles north of the border, east of the Lukeville port. Agents assisted by a Border Patrol canine team discovered 33 bundles of abandoned marijuana weighing 765 pounds. The drugs, valued at $382,500, will be turned over to the DEA.

Transnational criminal organizations are using various methods in attempts to commit illegal activity. However, with an adequate deployment of technology, infrastructure and manpower, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol is significantly disrupting their efforts.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

All CBP assets in Arizona were realigned under a unified command structure in February 2011. Joint Field Command – Arizona unifies the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, to enhance border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to meet Arizona’s unique challenges. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit CBP Arizona for more information.

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.