Tucson Agents Seize Marijuana, Vehicles, Handgun and Ammunition

Tucson, AZ. – In two separate incidents within the last 24 hours, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized approximately 1,900 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $980,500, one vehicle, two all-terrain vehicles, and a handgun with 13 rounds of ammunition.

Nogales Station agents responding to a suspicious vehicle Tuesday driving north on South River Road near Rio Rico, attempted to overtake the vehicle when it exited the roadway and drove cross-country across the Santa Cruz River onto North River Road. Agents later found the vehicle abandoned in a wash a short distance away and Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies located the driver. The vehicle contained 83 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 1,700 pounds, with an estimated value of $850,500. Agents seized the vehicle and marijuana. The driver is being held pending prosecution for illegal re-entry of a deported alien and possession with intent to distribute.

Casa Grande agents using infrared technology, observed two all-terrain vehicles traveling off road yesterday transporting suspected bundles of marijuana near Arizona City. A helicopter from the Office of Air and Marine assisted agents with locating the ATVs, which had been abandoned. One ATV was loaded with five bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 260 pounds; the other with food, fuel and supplies. After further inspection, agents also found a Colt .45 handgun and 13 rounds of ammunition. The ATVs, handgun, ammunition and marijuana, valued at $130,000, were transported to the Casa Grande Station for processing.

Combining interagency cooperation and advanced technology continues to deny, degrade, dismantle and disrupt transnational criminal organizations.

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 to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

Customs and Border Protection appreciates assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling the Border Patrol toll free (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.