CBP U.S. Border Patrol Nabs Drug Smuggler

Child Passenger Turned Over to Family Member

Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents discovered 70 vacuum-sealed bricks of marijuana hidden in a vehicle during a routine stop at a checkpoint on State Road 90 last night.

A Border Patrol canine team alerted to a vehicle occupied by an adult driver and one minor child. Agents then conducted a secondary inspection and located the marijuana bricks weighing 67 pounds and valued at $33,500. The child was turned over to a family member, while the driver was arrested on federal narcotics smuggling charges and may face federal prosecution. The narcotics will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Border Patrol checkpoints continue to play a vital role in stopping transnational criminals and smugglers from transporting illegal contraband further into the United States using Arizona routes of egress from the border.

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

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.