The following are Press Releases from US Customs and Border Protection:

April 18, 2011:

TucsonSector Border Patrol Agents  Seize Over 1,000 Pounds of Marijuana

Two suspects face federal drug charges

TUCSON, Ariz. – In three separate incidents over the weekend, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized a total of 1,289 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $644,500. 

Friday evening, Border Patrol agents operating remote surveillance equipment reported cross-border activity east of the DeConcini Port. Agents responded and seized two bundles of marijuana approximately 50 yards north of the border.  The marijuana weighed approximately 45 pounds with a street value at roughly $22,500. 

Early Saturday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Casa Grande Station attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle after it drove off road into the desert.  Agents followed the tire tracks and discovered the vehicle abandoned and immobilized.  Subsequently they discovered 356 pounds of marijuana and a loaded AK-47 assault rifle inside the vehicle.  The marijuana, with an estimated value of $178,000, was seized along with the weapon and the vehicle. 

On Sunday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Casa Grande Station stopped a suspicious vehicle.  A canine team alerted to the vehicle and further inspection yielded the discovery of a hidden compartment containing small bricks of marijuana.  The narcotics weighed 888 pounds with an estimated value of $444,000.  The marijuana and vehicle were seized by the Border Patrol. The two occupants were taken into custody and are pending prosecution for federal drug charges. 

Surveillance technology deployed along the border increases the situational awareness of Border Patrol agents and improves their response time to illegal activity.  In addition to deploying technology, specialty units such as canine teams, improve the Border Patrol’s effectiveness by rapidly detecting concealed drug and human contraband. 

 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 of affected communities throughout the state of Arizona.

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.

~CBP~

 

April 18, 2011:

Border Patrol Agents Perform Multiple Rescues, Assists over Weekend

TUCSON, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector performed four rescues and assisted with two civilian vehicle accidents over the weekend.

On Saturday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Station received a call from the Pima County Sheriff’s Office reporting a group of illegal aliens in distress. Ajo agents and Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team members along with a CBP helicopter responded and located the group. No one in the group had serious injuries and all four individuals were taken into custody.

In another rescue on Saturday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Nogales Station received a call from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reporting an illegal alien in distress. Nogales agents responded and located the individual. They determined there was no need for additional medical treatment and took the individual into custody.

Later that day, Border Patrol agents assigned the Casa Grande Station apprehended a group of 15 illegal aliens and discovered a female in the group who was severely dehydrated. After providing initial medical care, agents determined she was in need of further medical attention. The agents called for a Life Net helicopter which responded and transported the woman to a hospital in Tucson, Ariz.

On Saturday, Border Patrol agents working the State Route 83 checkpoint received information of a motorcycle accident one mile south of the checkpoint and responded to provide assistance. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office was on the scene and agents assisted by providing first aid and traffic control. A Life Flight air ambulance arrived to transport the subject for further medical attention.

On Sunday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Station responded to a single vehicle accident near Why, Ariz. The male driver had received massive injuries to his arm and a young woman received non-life threatening injuries. Agents certified as emergency medical technicians (EMT) provided treatment until emergency medical services (EMS) responded. The driver was flown by Life Net to a hospital in Tucson.

Early this morning, air interdiction agents in a CBP helicopter patrolling the Casa Grande area discovered a fire in the desert and an illegal alien in need of medical attention. A Border Patrol agent, certified as an EMT, responded and treated the individual. The agent determined the subject was in need of further medical attention and called for EMS who responded and transported the individual to a hospital in Sells, Ariz.

Due to the increase of Border Patrol personnel along the border and a positive working relationship with other agencies and local communities, agents are usually the first responders in emergency situations in the remote regions of southern Arizona. All agents are trained in cardio pulmonary resuscitation and basic life-saving techniques. In the Tucson Sector, more than 200 agents are certified EMTs and every BORSTAR agent is certified in advanced life saving techniques.

As the summer months approach and the temperatures increase, the Border Patrol stresses the dangers individuals encounter when crossing the Sonoran Desert on foot.  In addition to protecting our Nation’s borders, the Border Patrol remains committed to protecting and saving the lives of any individuals in need.

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 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.

~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.

April 14, 2011:

TucsonSector Border Patrol Agents  Seize Four Tons of Marijuana

Narcotics have estimated value of more than $4 million

TUCSON, Ariz. – In the past 48 hours, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector seized more than 8,000 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $4 million. Below are several of the significant seizures that occurred during this period.

On Tuesday morning, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Casa Grande Station responded to a citizen’s call reporting suspicious activity.  Subsequently, agents discovered 10 bundles of marijuana abandoned in the desert.  The marijuana weighed 581 pounds with an estimated value of $290,000. 

Early Wednesday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Casa Grande Station used surveillance technology to observe a group of suspected drug smugglers.  Responding agents seized 966 pounds of marijuana and apprehended four smugglers.  The marijuana, with an estimated value of $483,000, was seized and the subjects are awaiting prosecution. In addition, one suspect had a concealed handgun which was seized.   

In another incident on Wednesday, a Horse Patrol unit assigned to the Ajo Station discovered 886 pounds of marijuana abandoned three miles north of the international boundary.  The marijuana, with an estimated value of $433,000, was seized. 

Surveillance technology deployed along the border increases the situational awareness of Border Patrol agents and improves their response time to illegal activity.  In addition to deploying technology, specialty units such as the Horse Patrol improve the Border Patrol’s effectiveness by enabling them to more effectively navigate the rugged and remote areas of the border.

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 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.

~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.

April 14, 2011:

TUCSON, Ariz. — The following is a rundown of activities that occurred in the last 24 hours within the Tucson Sector.  This is only a thumbnail of each incident and an invitation to contact the Tucson Sector Communications Division for more information.

Significant Arrests

(CAG)  Before dawn on Wednesday, Casa Grande agents apprehended a 32-year-old illegal alien from Mexico.  Record checks revealed that the man was convicted of sexual abuse.  The man was held for prosecution.   

Seizures

(CAG)  Late Tuesday, agents patrolling the Casa Grande area conducted a vehicle stop on Interstate 8.  The vehicle and two weapons, an SKS assault rifle and a Berretta 9 millimeter handgun, were seized and one man was arrested as a result of the stop.  The man was turned over to local authorities for prosecution. 

(CAG)  Wednesday morning, agents assigned to Casa Grande’s area of responsibility discovered an illicit radio repeater near Federal Route 42.  The repeater was seized and transported for processing. 

(SON)  Late Wednesday afternoon, Sonoita agents attempted to stop a vehicle on State Route 83 that had been reported stolen out of Tucson.  Agents contacted the Pima County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety when the vehicle sped up to avoid the agent.  The vehicle was interdicted by PCSO and found to contain nearly 340 pounds of marijuana.  The driver, passenger, vehicle and marijuana are in PCSO custody. 

(WCX)  A canine team conducting pre-primary inspections at the Highway 80 Checkpoint Wednesday alerted to a Mercury Sable with two occupants.  Further inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of 124 pounds of marijuana which is valued at an estimated $62,000.  The vehicle and marijuana were seized; the driver and passenger are pending prosecution on federal drug charges. 

(TUS)  Late Wednesday, Tucson agents patrolling west of State Route 286 seized 143 pounds of marijuana and a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun that had been abandoned.  The marijuana, valued at approximately $715,000, and the weapon were seized and transported for processing.

The Border Patrol appreciates the assistance of the community. Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

~CBP~

To report illegal activity anytime and remain anonymous, call 1-877-872-7435. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with managing and protecting 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 also enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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