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  4. BP, AMO Chase Meth Smugglers in Arizona Mountains

BP, AMO Chase Meth Smugglers in Arizona Mountains

Release Date
Thu, 09/24/2020

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents seized more than 170 pounds of meth and arrested three smugglers in the Mesquite Mountains east of Lukeville Wednesday morning.

Tucson Sector agents, accompanied by an air asset from CBP Air and Marine Operations, observed a group of suspected drug smugglers in a remote area of the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation around 10:30 a.m.

Agents tracked the group through treacherous terrain for several hours, finally apprehending three Mexican nationals. They also seized five backpacks filled with containers of white crystals that appeared to be methamphetamine.

Five backpacks seized by agents turned out to be carrying $170K worth of meth
Five backpacks seized by agents turned out to
be carrying $170K worth of meth

Testing later confirmed the substance was consistent with the properties of meth. Its approximate street value is $170,000.

The suspected smugglers and drugs have been turned over to ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

For more details regarding this media release or to schedule a remote interview via the LiveU system, please contact the Tucson Border Patrol Sector Public Affairs Office at tca-pao@cbp.dhs.gov or at 520-748-3210.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021