Off Duty Border Patrol Agent Remains Vigilant

Over a Million Dollars Worth of Marijuana Seized

Tucson, Ariz. – An off-duty Border Patrol agent called in a tip Saturday on what he believed to be bundles of marijuana being loaded into a vehicle near State Road 86. 

Agents working with surveillance equipment and an Air and Marine helicopter were able to confirm the activity. When agents arrived at the location, they discovered a Chevrolet Suburban, an ATV and just over one ton of abandoned dope wrapped in 88 individual bundles. The area was searched, but no arrests were made in conjunction with the smuggling attempt.

The Suburban had been reported stolen and was turned over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department. The ATV will be processed for seizure by the Ajo station. The 2,173 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $1,086,500, will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

 “Our agents continue to be vigilant even when off duty,” said Tucson Sector’s Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Manny Padilla. “Thanks to our agents, our law enforcement partners and local citizens who alert us to suspicious activity, we can continue to help make our communities safer.”

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (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.