TUCSON, Ariz. – Nogales Border Patrol agents arrested seven U.S. citizens within a 24-hour period for attempting to smuggle dangerous narcotics through the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint during the holiday weekend.
Agents referred a commercial shuttle van for a routine immigration inspection Saturday and discovered three of the passengers attempting to conceal a combined 12.2 ounces of methamphetamine under their clothing. One person is from Nogales while the other two reside in Tucson.
of the drugs seized this weekend.
Sunday, agents directed two shuttle vans concurrently for immigration inspections and discovered a passenger in each van in possession of hard narcotics. In one van, a 17-year-old from Tucson was arrested for smuggling cocaine. In the other van, a Phoenix resident was found with four bags of fentanyl pills.
A few hours later in another shuttle van, agents discovered two additional Tucson residents with a brick of heroin concealed under their clothing. The heroin had a combined weight of approximately 9.5 ounces.
All seven individuals were arrested and charged with narcotics smuggling.
Immigration checkpoint operations play a vital role in preventing criminals from transporting contraband into the United States by restricting routes of egress from the border region. The Border Patrol appreciates the public’s patience while traveling through these checkpoints.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.
