ATF Announces New Webinar for July 20, 2012

You can also follow ATF on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ATFHQ or @ATFHQ.

Smugglers Abandon $3.5 Million in Narcotics

Tucson, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector, a component of the Joint Field Command-Arizona, seized 4,480 pounds of marijuana worth more than $3.5 million in the West Desert.

Last night, Ajo Station agents assigned to the Papago Forward Operating Base responded to detection technology while a Customs and Border Protection helicopter provided aerial support. Agents identified and began tracking tire tracks that led to two abandoned Chevrolet pickup trucks loaded with marijuana bundles.

Inside the vehicles, agents found a total of 4,480 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $3,584,000. The vehicles and narcotics were seized and transported to the Ajo Station for processing.

 “The continued vigilance by the men and women of the Ajo Station combined with our enhanced detection technology continues to disrupt the efforts of transnational criminal organizations operating in the western corridor of the Tucson Sector,” said Acting Deputy Chief Manuel Padilla.

The probability of arrest and the penalties for drug smuggling have had an impact on smugglers. Oftentimes, they choose to abandon their drug loads rather than risk apprehension and prosecution.

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

CBP announced the JFC-AZ in February 2011 as an organizational realignment that brings together the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, under a unified command structure. JFC-AZ integrates CBP’s border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to more effectively meet the unique challenges faced in Arizona. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit the CBP Arizona website for more information.

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.

Do You Know Who Your True “Friends” Are?

Social media presents both opportunities and dangers

More than half of all Americans have accounts on one or more social network  like Facebook, Twitter or MySpace. Even here at DHS we are using social media to share information and engage with the public.

While social media is a great way to communicate and share information with friends and family, there are real dangers from hackers and cyber criminals. A stranger online should be treated in the same way as a stranger in real life. Unfamiliar “friends” or connections on social networks are not likely your true friends. Worse, they could be ill-intentioned people who use social networking sites to target or collect personal information.

Whether on social networks or web connected video games, follow these simple security tips from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team:

•Limit the amount of personal information you post: Do not post information that would make you vulnerable, such as your address or information about your schedule or routine. If your trusted friends post information about you, make sure the information is not more than you would be comfortable sharing with strangers.

•Be wary of strangers: The internet makes it easy for people to misrepresent their identities and motives. If you interact with people you do not know, be cautious about the amount of information you reveal.

•Be skeptical: Don't believe everything you read online. People may post false or misleading information about various topics, including their own identities.

•Evaluate your settings: Take advantage of a site's security and privacy settings and review them regularly to make sure that your choices are still appropriate.

Stop.Think.Connect. Protect yourself and help keep the web a safer place for everyone.

For more information on the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign, please visit dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.