Tucson Sector Border Patrol Seizes Ton of Marijuana and Stolen Vehicle

Tucson, Ariz. –Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector, a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Joint Field Command-Arizona, seized 2,150 pounds of marijuana yesterday with the assistance of air assets and sophisticated surveillance technology.

Casa Grande Station agents, using a mobile surveillance system last night, identified suspected narcotics smuggling and responded to the area with the assistance of air assets assigned to Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air and Marine. Agents seized 10 bundles of marijuana weighing 514 pounds and arrested six individuals, all of whom admitted to being in the United States illegally. The narcotics and subjects were transported to the station for processing. The narcotics, valued at $257,250, will be turned over to Drug Enforcement Administration. The subjects face charges for narcotics smuggling.

Agents from the Ajo Station were patrolling in the West Desert yesterday when they came upon an unattended SUV concealed with a camouflage tarp and loaded with 111 bundles of marijuana. Record checks revealed the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban had been reported stolen out of Phoenix. The vehicle was turned over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department. The narcotics, weighing in at 1,636 pounds and valued at $818,000, will be turned over to DEA.

Drug and human smuggling are federal crimes with stiff penalties. As a result, smugglers often choose to abandon their loads or use stolen vehicles rather than risk apprehension and incarceration. Through technology and cooperation with law enforcement partners, the Border Patrol continues to deny criminal organizations the freedom to engage in illegal activity.

CBP appreciates assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity by calling the Border Patrol at 1-877-872-7435 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.