Tucson, Ariz. - Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to checkpoint operations during the weekend seized $26,500 worth of marijuana and removed four children from vehicles being used to smuggle undocumented aliens.
Willcox Station agents assigned to the Highway 90 checkpoint discovered 53 pounds (27 bricks) of marijuana Sunday night concealed in, non-factory compartments inside a vehicle. The vehicle and marijuana were seized and transported to the Willcox Station for processing.
Saturday night, also at the Highway 90 checkpoint, agents discovered two illegal aliens attempting to slip farther into the interior of the United States. Also in the vehicle was a 3-year-old child.
Nogales Station agents working at the Interstate 19 checkpoint Friday night arrested a female United States citizen for attempting to smuggle aliens into the country. Also in the vehicle were three children. All were U.S. citizens.
Ajo Station agents working at the State Route 85 checkpoint arrested a male U.S. citizen for attempting to smuggle five aliens into the country.
In each incident involving children, agents contacted Child Protective Services to take custody of the children. Each driver may face prosecution.
Checkpoints remain a vital component of the Border Patrol's defense-in-depth strategy. Criminal organizations are becoming desperate and use children to mask smuggling attempts. Checkpoint operations continue to help agents curb the flow of illicit activity.
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.