TUCSON, ARIZ.—Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized meth and arrested drug and human smugglers during separate weekend incidents.
Nogales Station agents working at the Interstate 19 checkpoint Friday arrested a male Mexican national traveling in a commercial shuttle van after a pound of methamphetamine was discovered taped to the inside of his clothes. The narcotics, valued at $10,000, will be turned over to the DEA. The subject faces possible prosecution.
Two U.S. citizens were taken into custody by Nogales Border Patrol agents yesterday after a canine team alerted to two people hiding in the trunk of their vehicle during a pre-primary inspection at the I-19 checkpoint. Both subjects face federal prosecution for alien smuggling.
Also yesterday, Tucson Station agents conducting patrol operations pulled over a vehicle near the State Route 86 checkpoint. During the encounter, it was discovered that the driver and passenger both had active warrants for arrest. Agents also found a stolen, loaded .45-caliber weapon and 34 grams of meth valued at $3,000. Both subjects were arrested and face possible prosecution. The drugs will be turned over to DEA.
The Tucson Sector Border Patrol is determined to prevent dangerous contraband and individuals from being transported through Arizona. Checkpoints effectively restrict major routes of egress from the border, hindering smugglers' ability to move people, drugs and other contraband further into the United States.
Customs and Border Protection 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.