US Customs and Border Protection Press Release March 29, 2011:

Tucson Border Patrol Agents Seize more than One Ton of Marijuana, Arrest Suspected Smugglers in West Desert Video … surveillance leads significant narcotics seizures

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector seized 2,579 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $1,289,500 in three separate incidents in the West Desert yesterday.

In the afternoon, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Casa Grande Station discovered an abandoned vehicle north of Sells, Ariz. Inspection of the vehicle revealed 23 bundles of marijuana weighing 842 pounds, with an estimated value of $421,000.

Several hours later, Ajo Station’s All Terrain Vehicle Unit responded to information from agents operating remote video surveillance (RVSS) technology east of Lukeville, Ariz. Agents seized 15 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,113 pounds, with an estimated street value of $565,500.

Later that evening, Ajo agents using RVSS technology spotted a group of suspected drug smugglers south of Why, Ariz., and notified agents in the field. Agents responded to the group’s location, making six arrests and seizing 624 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $312,000.

Advanced surveillance technology, coupled with the tireless dedication of the men and women on the frontlines, ensure that communities across Arizona are safer and more secure every day.

In March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security launched the Southwest Border Initiative to bring unprecedented focus and intensity to securing the Southwest border, coupled with a reinvigorated, smart, and effective approach to enforcing our immigration laws.

The Border Patrol continues to rely on the community to assist. Report suspicious activity 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.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 at 9:26 am and is filed under border issues, border patrol, border patrol tucson sector, drug smuggling, mexican drug cartels, politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.