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  4. Border Patrol Continues Busting Smugglers in Arizona

Border Patrol Continues Busting Smugglers in Arizona

Release Date
Thu, 11/14/2013

TUSCON, Ariz.  So far this week, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 800 pounds of marijuana, two firearms with ammunition, and arrested several U.S. citizens and foreign nationals involved in smuggling activities.

The bulk of marijuana was seized Sunday after Tucson Station agents started following a suspicious Dodge Ram truck north of Amado, Ariz. After apparently realizing he was being followed, the driver accelerated, lost control and crashed in a wash. Two subjects absconded from the vehicle. Agents searched the vehicle and found 30 bricks of marijuana weighing in excess of 700 pounds. A thorough search of the area was conducted by agents and air assets but the suspects could not be located. 

Early in the week, a Toyota sedan departed the State Route 80 checkpoint without consent. Thirty minutes later agents encountered the vehicle on SR 80, near mile marker 296, and arrested the driver. Agents then searched the vehicle and discovered nearly 140 pounds of marijuana in the trunk.  

On Tuesday, agents stopped a vehicle with two occupants on State Route 186 near milepost 355. After obtaining consent to search, agents found two loaded pistols, multiple ammunition rounds, marijuana cigarettes and a drug pipe. Arizona Department of Public Safety responded to the scene and took possession of the subjects, vehicle, weapons and other contraband. The subjects were later charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony. 

Later Tuesday evening, when agents attempted to stop a sedan in Willcox, Ariz., near Bell Ranch Road, the vehicle fled but was later found abandoned. Agents then tracked footprints that led them to two U.S. citizens and three undocumented aliens. All five subjects were arrested.

Wednesday at the Interstate 19 checkpoint agents arrested a U.S. citizen attempting to smuggle two Mexican nationals in the trunk of his sedan. This smuggling method is especially dangerous since escape from the trunk could be difficult or impossible in an emergency. All subjects were arrested. The Mexican nationals were then processed for removal proceedings in accordance with Tucson Sector prosecution guidelines.

The Tucson Sector Border Patrol strives to secure America’s borders through the disruption and degrading of transnational criminal activity. Border security is a joint effort between various components of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other law enforcement partners, and support from community stakeholders.

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous. 

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021