Wednesday, May 02, 2012

West Desert Task Force Operation Results in Dope Seizure, Vehicle Recovery


Tucson, Ariz. – A targeted enforcement operation focusing on transnational criminal organizations operating in the west desert resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the seizure of 1,867 pounds of marijuana Friday evening, worth an estimated $933,500.

The West Desert Task Force is a collaboration between the Tucson Sector Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. In this operation, Ajo Station agents responded to detection technology and discovered an abandoned pickup truck containing 82 bundles of marijuana, weighing 1,867 pounds and worth an estimated $933,500. The bundles were transported to the Ajo Station for processing (photo available). The vehicle, reported stolen out of Phoenix, was turned over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department.

Partnerships with other federal, state, tribal and local agencies continue to yield significant dividends against transnational criminal organizations attempting to exploit Arizona’s border region.

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.

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 the attached website 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.

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