Casa Grande Station Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,200 Pounds of Marijuana

Tucson, Ariz. – Yesterday, Casa Grande agents seized more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of nearly $976,000 that was abandoned in the West Desert.

The first incident occurred Thursday evening during a rainstorm when agents, using Mobile Surveillance System technology, observed suspected cross-border activity. Agents responded to the location and found 13 bundles of marijuana hidden in the brush. The marijuana weighed 707 pounds and was transported to the Casa Grande Station for destruction.

Later that night, agents discovered 22 bundles of marijuana abandoned in a wash near Topawa, Ariz. The bundles, weighing 512 pounds, were seized and transported to the Casa Grande Station.

Smuggling organizations often prefer to abandon their drug loads rather than risk being caught and facing criminal prosecution. In January, the Tucson Sector implemented a comprehensive Consequence Delivery System designed to break the smuggling cycle by ensuring consequences are upheld to the full extent of the law.

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

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 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.