Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents Use Right Blend of Assets to Make Significant Seizure

Seized Narcotics Valued at Almost $1 Million

Tucson, Ariz. – Yesterday morning, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized an abandoned vehicle in the West Desert loaded with 1,935 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $967,500.

Agents assigned to monitor the Ajo Station Mobile Surveillance System (MSS) were working at the Papago Forward Operating Base (FOB) when they identified a suspicious vehicle traveling eastbound through the desert. Agents assigned to the All Terrain Unit and the FOB responded and discovered a sport utility vehicle abandoned in the desert loaded with 149 bundles of marijuana. The marijuana was seized pending transfer to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

As a result of the Border Patrol’s increased efforts to disrupt and deny transnational criminal organizations from operating in the Tucson Sector, smugglers will often abandon their drug loads rather than risk apprehension and face prosecution. Surveillance technology assists agents in their efforts to detect and interdict threats near the border by providing greater situational awareness in remote areas of the border.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments towards establishing a secure and safe border environment and improving the quality of life throughout the communities in the state of Arizona.

The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling toll free (1-877) 872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous

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.