Wednesday, June 27, 2012

U.S. CBP Border Patrol Seizes Nearly One Ton of Narcotics


Marijuana Intercepted in Pumpkin Shipment

Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized a semitrailer loaded with 1,703 pounds of marijuana hidden within a shipment of produce.

Yesterday, Nogales Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 19 checkpoint referred a tractor-trailer for secondary inspection. Upon further investigation, they discovered 73 bundles of marijuana mixed within crates of pumpkins and chili peppers. The driver, a United States citizen, was arrested and transported to the Nogales Station for processing. The drugs, worth an estimated $851,500, will be held for evidence.

In another unrelated incident yesterday, Sonoita agents following foot sign in the desert located 16 abandoned bundles of marijuana. The marijuana weighed 774 pounds and is valued at $387,000. The contraband was transported to the Sonoita Border Patrol Station for processing.

The Tucson Sector Border Patrol is determined to prevent transnational criminal organizations from operating in southern Arizona. Checkpoints effectively restrict major routes of egress from the border, preventing smugglers from transporting people, drugs and other contraband to the interior of the United States.

We welcome 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 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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