US Customs and Border Protection Press Release March 24, 2011:

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than Seven Tons of Marijuana in 48 Hours

Narcotics valued at $6,471,450

TUCSON, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector seized 4,681 pounds of marijuana yesterday. This follows Tuesday’s drug seizures of approximately 9,700 pounds for a combined total of 14,381 pounds, with an estimated value of $6,471,450 in the last 48 hours.

On March 23, agents assigned to the Casa Grande Station conducted a vehicle stop and a canine alerted positively to the vehicle. Further inspection of the vehicle yielded 84 bundles of marijuana weighing 510.6 pounds. The driver and passenger were taken into custody and submitted for prosecution on federal drug charges. The vehicle and marijuana, with an estimated value of $229,700 were seized.

In a separate incident, Casa Grande agents used Mobile Surveillance System technology to detect an abandoned load of marijuana bundles. Agents responded to the area and discovered 19 bundles weighing 1,096 pounds, with an estimated value of $493,200.

Another incident that day occurred when agents assigned to the Sonoita Station located an abandoned vehicle. Agents discovered 78 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,753 pounds, with an estimated value of $788,850.

Later the same evening, Sonoita agents responded to detection technology with a canine team and located 14 bundles of marijuana concealed in the brush. The marijuana weighed 744 pounds with an estimated value of $334,800.

Early Thursday morning, Ajo Station agents used Remote Video Surveillance System technology to detect a group of illegal aliens. Agents assigned to the All Terrain Vehicle unit responded and apprehended nine illegal aliens carrying 14 bundles of marijuana. The 14 bundles weighed 576 pounds, with an estimated value of $259,200. The nine drug smugglers are being submitted for prosecution.

The Department of Homeland Security has pursued a reinvigorated border security strategy with an unprecedented sense of urgency, making historic investments in personnel, technology and infrastructure while combating transnational criminal organizations that smuggle weapons, cash and people across our shared border with Mexico.

The Border Patrol regularly adapts and shifts resources to mitigate smuggling activity by using the proper mix of technology, manpower and infrastructure to enhance the ability of agents and to expedite their response times to isolated areas.

The Border Patrol continues to rely on the community to assist. Suspicious activity can be reported by calling toll free 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

~CBP~

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. To report suspicious activity and remain anonymous, please call our toll free number at 1-877-872-7435.

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