TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized nearly $1.2 million in marijuana, three vehicles and apprehended four suspects in connection with various criminal cases in the past two weeks.
On Nov. 4, Ajo Station agents, with assistance from an Office of Air and Marine helicopter, seized more than 1,800 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $930,000 found in a Chevrolet truck reported stolen out of Phoenix. An agent followed tire tracks to the abandoned vehicle loaded with 80 bundles of marijuana. A search of the area was conducted but no subjects or additional contraband was located. Agents seized the marijuana in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines and turned the truck over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department.
On Nov. 8, Tucson Station agents arrested two male Mexican nationals near Arivaca, Arizona. Subsequent to the arrest, agents searched the suspects and found a loaded handgun reported stolen from hunters in one of the subject’s backpacks. Agents also found food items suspected of being stolen from a residence. Agents turned both men and the handgun over to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
On Nov. 10, a Willcox Station agent stopped a Dodge Ram truck with a single occupant suspected of smuggling. The driver initially yielded and surrendered his driver’s license to the agent but then fled. The suspect vehicle was later found abandoned with several bundles of marijuana, worth an estimated $219,000, concealed under plywood in the bed of the truck. Several agents and a canine team tracked and located the suspect in nearby brush. Agents seized the vehicle and processed the subject according to Tucson Sector guidelines.
Later on Nov. 10, agents from the Ajo Station seized a Ford Focus and arrested an uncooperative female motorist for narcotics smuggling at the State Route 85 checkpoint south of Gila Bend, Arizona. During the immigration inspection, the woman, a United States citizen, refused to lower her window, answer immigration questions, or drive to the secondary inspection area. After a canine unit alerted to the vehicle, agents found six bundles of marijuana worth approximately $34,000.
The Tucson Sector Border Patrol strives to secure America’s borders through the disruption and degrading of transnational criminal organizations. Border security is a joint effort between Customs and Border Protection, other law-enforcement partners and 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.