Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector CBP U.S.
Border Patrol agents seized two abandoned vehicles in separate incidents
yesterday loaded with bundles of marijuana totaling more than 3,250 pounds and
a combined value exceeding $1.6 million.
Willcox Station agents working at the
State Highway 80 checkpoint responded to reports of a suspected smuggling
vehicle attempting to drive around the checkpoint. Upon investigation, agents
located an abandoned GMC pickup on Sibyl Road with bundles of marijuana stacked
in the cab and bed of the truck. No people were located in the vicinity. The
marijuana’s value was estimated at $662,000.
Nogales Border Patrol agents working on
the east side of Nogales observed a suspicious truck near the international
boundary and a subject absconding into Mexico. Agents secured the abandoned
vehicle and discovered it contained more than 1,900 pounds of marijuana worth
an estimated $967,150.
In both incidents, the vehicles were
seized and the narcotics will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement
Administration.
The Tucson Sector Border Patrol
continues its focus on dismantling smuggling organizations. Checkpoints, along
with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, are just a few tools the Border
Patrol has available to prevent transnational criminal organizations from
moving their contraband further into the country. Frustrated smugglers often
abandon their contraband in hopes of eluding apprehension and subsequent
prosecution.
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.
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