Tucson, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents working out of the Ajo Station seized 2,936 pounds of marijuana yesterday valued at $1,468,000. The narcotics was found abandoned in three west-desert locations.

Early yesterday, Ajo agents responding to suspected smuggling activity located 15 bundles of marijuana weighing 721 pounds and valued at $360,500. Later in the day, agents riding all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and patrolling on foot discovered footprints leading up a remote mountain pass. Agents continued up the pass and discovered 26 bundles of abandoned marijuana. No smugglers were located in the area. The bundles weighed 1,232 pounds and are estimated to be worth $616,000.

Late Monday, agents patrolling on horseback and on ATVs discovered 20 bundles of marijuana abandoned in separate piles. Agents made the discovery as they converged on an area of reported smuggling activity. The bundles, valued at approximately $491,500, had a combined weight of 983 pounds.

All of the abandoned narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for disposal.

Today, smugglers are more aware of the heightened risk associated with breaking the law. It is not uncommon for criminals to abandon their contraband in an attempt to elude arrest.

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.