Tucson Sector Border Patrol Seizes Marijuana, Apprehends Convicted Felon

Tucson, AZ- In separate incidents yesterday, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized 12 bundles of marijuana valued at approximately $305,000, and apprehended an illegal alien previously convicted of homicide.

Casa Grande Station agents were tracking footprints of a possible group of illegal aliens in the West Desert when they encountered the marijuana, weighing approximately 610 pounds. The marijuana was taken to the Casa Grande Station for processing.

In a second incident, Ajo Station agents apprehended a 28-year-old Honduran man after he illegally entered the United States. Record checks revealed a 2003 conviction in Orlando, Fla., for providing false information to a peace officer and for negligent homicide. He served five years in prison for those crimes. He is now being criminally prosecuted for re-entry of an aggravated felon.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure, safe border environment to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community. Please report suspicious activity by calling their toll-free number at 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.