TUCSON, ARIZ.—Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents working at the I-19 checkpoint apprehended two juveniles and one adult attempting to smuggle heroin on their bodies in three separate incidents yesterday.
Nogales station agents referred three commercial shuttles for secondary inspection where canine teams alerted to two 17-year-old United States citizens and one adult female Mexican national, resulting in the discovery of heroin each had taped to their bodies in the waist band area.
The narcotics, weighing a combined 9.5 pounds and worth an estimated $100,440, were seized and will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The teens were turned over to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office; the adult faces possible prosecution.
In the past few years, Border Patrol agents have seen an increase in young adults and teens attempting to smuggle aliens and narcotics. Through the Border Patrol's Operation Detour - a youth outreach program - agents are educating students on the risks and consequences associated with smuggling.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.