TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than $92,000 worth of marijuana dropped from an ultralight aircraft (ULA) early yesterday morning and arrested two suspects.
At approximately 3 a.m., camera operators from the Douglas Station first observed a ULA fly over the U.S. border from Mexico and later drop suspected drugs near Sunsites, Arizona.
Border Patrol Agents from the Douglas Station located 185 pounds of marijuana that had been dropped by an ultralight aircraft.
Willcox Station agents responded to the drop site where they located a single individual and a basket containing 10 bundles of marijuana weighing nearly 185 pounds. During an extensive search of the area a second subject was apprehended.
The ULA was observed traveling south into Mexico at approximately 4:45 a.m.
Agents processed the suspects, both Mexican Nationals, and drugs in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines.
As U.S. Customs and Border Protection security efforts improve along the border, criminal organizations look for alternative methods to smuggle their cargo. CBP continues to be vigilant in interdicting these attempts. This seizure is an example of how coordination and technology play key roles in the prevention of illegal activity along the border.