Tucson, Ariz. - Thursday afternoon, Douglas Border Patrol agents and deputies from the Cochise County, Ariz. sheriff's office teamed to interdict a vehicle containing 108 pounds of marijuana, a 29-year-old woman, and an 8-month-old baby.
Agents, acting on a tip, responded to information of a suspected drug smuggler loading a vehicle with bundles of contraband west of Douglas, Ariz. When agents located the vehicle, the driver sped off, prompting agents to contact the sheriff's for assistance. As deputies moved in to make a stop, the suspect veered off the road into the desert.
The driver struck a power line pole but continued to drive cross-country before stopping at a nearby unoccupied residence. Officers arrived on the scene and took the driver into custody. That is also when officers discovered the woman and infant were passengers in the vehicle.
Deputies and agents recovered four bundles of marijuana, valued at $54,000, and determined the baby girl had suffered a possible broken collarbone. The baby and her mother were transported via Life Flight to a nearby hospital. The driver was cited for reckless endangerment and is being held pending federal drug smuggling charges.
Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure and safe border environment, and improving the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.
The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling toll free (1-877) 872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.