TUCSON, ARIZ.—As part of a multi-layered targeted enforcement effort, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized just more than five pounds of hard narcotics this weekend at the Interstate 19 checkpoint.
Saturday, Nogales Station agents discovered 1.3 pounds of heroin hidden beneath a Mexican citizen's clothing during a routine immigration inspection. The narcotics, worth approximately $19,200, were held as evidence and the individual faces possible prosecution for narcotics smuggling.
In a separate incident on Sunday, a Border Patrol canine team alerted to a commercial passenger transportation vehicle which was referred for a secondary inspection. Subsequently, a search of the vehicle revealed several small bundles of heroin on the floorboard which were not traceable to a specific passenger. The narcotics, weighing 3.8 pounds and valued at approximately $44,720, will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Border Patrol checkpoints continue to assist agents in stopping transnational criminal organizations from bringing harmful and addictive narcotics further into the United States. Significant progress has been made in disrupting illegal activity along the Arizona/Mexico border by reducing the ability of smugglers to move contraband through routes of egress.
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.