Joint Operations Net $1.4 Million in Marijuana

Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations Collaborate to Thwart Smugglers

Tucson, Ariz. – Agents from the Tucson Sector Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, working jointly, arrested two smugglers and seized 2,805 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $1,402,000 over the past week.

Ajo and Casa Grande Border Patrol agents conducting joint operations with HSI agents near Stanfield, Ariz., discovered an abandoned pick-up truck loaded with 42 bundles of marijuana. The vehicle was stopped on the side of the road but still running. Stacked in the cab and in the bed of the truck, agents found 947 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $473,500. The truck and drugs were seized and processed.

In a second incident, Ajo agents received information from HSI concerning a group of suspected narcotics smugglers moving through the west desert. Agents on horseback, supported by CBP air assets, responded to the area and discovered two smugglers and a vehicle loaded with 101 bundles of marijuana. The vehicle and 1,858 pounds of narcotics, valued at approximately $929,000, were seized and processed. The smugglers are in custody facing federal prosecution on drug charges.

The Border Patrol continuously works with federal, state and local partners to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in Arizona communities. Combined efforts and intelligence-sharing has made it increasingly difficult for smugglers to operate with impunity and transport their contraband throughout the United States.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (1-877) 872-7435 toll free.

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.