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  4. Border Patrol Removes Child from Drug Smuggling Vehicle

Border Patrol Removes Child from Drug Smuggling Vehicle

Release Date
Tue, 10/04/2011

Tucson, Ariz. - Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector, a component of the Joint Field Command-Arizona, seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $52,150 and removed a child from a potentially dangerous situation.

On October 4, Willcox Station agents operating the State Route 80 checkpoint encountered a suspicious vehicle and upon further inspection, discovered 10 bricks of marijuana weighing more than 100 pounds. Agents arrested the driver, a 34-year-old female United States citizen and took custody of her eight-year-old daughter. Agents transported the two individuals back to the station for processing and contacted child protective services. The girl's step-father responded and took custody of the child. The child's mother was prosecuted on drug smuggling charges.

Smugglers often disregard their own personal safety, as well as the public and even their own family members. Such actions are callous and show a willingness to endanger a child to profit from criminal activities.

CBP announced the JFC-AZ in February as an organizational realignment that brings together the U.S. Border Patrol, Air and Marine, and Field Operations under a unified command structure. JFC-AZ integrates CBP border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to more effectively meet the unique challenges faced in Arizona.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure, safe border environment to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona's communities.

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

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021