ACTT Operation Yield 13 Pounds of Cocaine

‘Intelligence Driven Operation’ continue to yield results

Tucson, Ariz. – A 13-day Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats operation in the Coronado National Forest near Nogales concluded on May 17. The ACTT operation resulted in 95 arrests and the seizure of more than 680 pounds of narcotics with an estimated value of more than $471,500.

The Tucson Sector Border Patrol was the lead agency during this ACTT operation which focused on apprehending smugglers and disrupting the activities of transnational criminal organization operating in the Coronado National Forest’s Nogales Ranger District. The intelligence driven operation displayed the unprecedented level of cooperation, coordination and communication that is taking place between law enforcement agencies across Arizona. The operation also exemplifies the ACTT’s commitment to deter, disrupt and interdict individuals and criminal organizations that pose a threat to border communities.

"Border security requires a team approach to target cross-border criminal organizations,” said Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent Randy Hill. “We leverage multi-agency authorities, intelligence, and investigative and interdiction capabilities to get the job done here in Arizona.”

The operation resulted in the following arrests and seizures:

93 illegal aliens arrested

92 were impacted by a federal consequence

One was prosecuted on state drug charges

Two United States citizens arrested for outstanding arrest warrants

13 pounds of cocaine seized

667 pounds of marijuana seized

The operation involved the following agencies:

Tucson Sector Border Patrol

U.S. Forest Service

Arizona Department of Public Safety

ACTT, launched in September 2009, continues to utilize a collaborative, cooperative enforcement approach that leverages the capabilities and resources of Department of Homeland Security agencies in Arizona in partnership with other federal, state, local, tribal governments and the government of Mexico against criminal organizations that pose a threat to the United States.

These agencies continue working together to diligently share vital information on current smuggling trends that have led to a number of mutually beneficial, intelligence driven operations that continue to support their common goal of making our country safer.

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.