TUCSON, ARIZ.—A dozen drug smugglers carrying 1,250 pounds of marijuana were arrested Tuesday night by Ajo Station Border Patrol agents patrolling near Pia Oik, Ariz.
After identifying what appeared to be a group of smugglers carrying marijuana bundles, agents obtained aerial support from an Office of Air and Marine helicopter and apprehended 11 adults and one juvenile. The marijuana, worth an estimated $625,000, was turned over to the DEA. The smugglers face federal prosecution for narcotics smuggling.
Through multi-agency cooperation, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol continues to make significant progress in disrupting and denying criminal organizations the opportunity to operate along the Sonora/Arizona border.
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.