Tucson Sector Border Patrol Weekend Seizures include Marijuana; Seven Weapons

Narcotics weighed more than 1,600 pounds with estimated $800,000 value

Tucson, Ariz. – In four separate incidents over the weekend, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,600 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $800,000 and seven weapons.

On June 12, a Border Patrol canine unit assigned to the State Highway 90 checkpoint alerted to a vehicle which was subsequently referred for a secondary inspection. Further inspection yielded the discovery of 20 small bundles of marijuana concealed in a suitcase in the back seat. The narcotics weighed more than 21 pounds with an estimated value of $10,900. Additionally, agents discovered five loaded weapons in the vehicle. The driver, a 32-year-old U. S. citizen, was arrested and is being prosecuted on federal drug charges. The marijuana and vehicle were seized by Border Patrol and the weapons will be turned over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

Earlier that same day, Border Patrol agents from the Casa Grande Station recovered 11 bundles of marijuana that were abandoned in a dry creek bed near Cowlic, Ariz. The bundles were discovered 40 yards from Federal Route 12 and were transported to the Casa Grande Station. The narcotics weighed 556 pounds with an estimated value of $278,000.

Also on June 12, agents from the Ajo Station detected three individuals north of Lukeville, Ariz., while using infrared technology. The Horse Patrol and All Terrain Units responded and apprehended the three subjects near State Route 85. One of the subjects was in possession of two loaded weapons, ammunition and a small bag of marijuana. He was taken into custody and turned over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for prosecution. The remaining two subjects are being criminally prosecuted for Illegal Entry.

On June 10, a vehicle was referred for a secondary inspection by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer assisting Border Patrol agents at the State Highway 80 Checkpoint. Subsequently, a non-intrusive inspection led to the discovery of 13 bricks of marijuana hidden inside the vehicle. The driver and passenger were arrested and transported to Willcox Station for processing. The narcotics weighed 14 pounds with an estimated value of $7,000.

Earlier that day, Border Patrol agents found 22 bundles of marijuana, weighing 1,063 pounds, abandoned southeast of Why, Ariz. The marijuana, with an estimated street value of $531,500, was seized.

The mix of advanced technology and specialty units such as horse patrol and all-terrain vehicle units allow Border Patrol agents to better detect contraband entering the United States and respond quickly in remote areas.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the 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.