Tucson, Ariz. - The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Arizona Joint Field Command is reporting the seizure of more than 16,357 pounds of narcotics worth an estimated $8.6 million, and the apprehension of 1,739 illegal and 132 inadmissible immigrants at the Arizona border Aug. 29 - Sept. 4.
Narcotics seizures consisted of more than 16,300 pounds of marijuana, 25 pounds of cocaine, and 16 pounds of methamphetamines. CBP also intercepted one weapon, $40,395 in illegal outbound currency, and 59 vehicles used for illicit purposes.
Since the beginning of the 2011 fiscal year, CBP in Arizona has apprehended more than 122,500 illegal immigrants and seized in excess of 1,090,200 pounds of marijuana. These numbers represent a 42 percent decrease in apprehensions and a one percent increase in marijuana seizures when compared to the same period last fiscal year. CBP credits this success to an integrated border enforcement effort in Arizona and significant increases in personnel, technology and tactical infrastructure.
Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March, 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has engaged in an unprecedented effort to bring focus and intensity to security along the Southwest border; along with a reinvigorated, smart and effective approach to enforcing immigration laws in the interior of our country.