US Customs and Border Protection Press Release April 20,2011:

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents
Arrest Smugglers with Weapons and Drugs

TUCSON, Ariz. – In two separate incidents Tuesday, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents interdicted drug smugglers in possession of firearms. Agents also seized a combined total of 585 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $292,500, in connection with the events.

Early Tuesday morning, Border Patrol agents operating a Mobile Surveillance System (MSS) near Nogales, Ariz., observed three suspected illegal aliens. Agents along with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter responded and interdicted three Mexican nationals and seized a handgun. During processing, agents learned the men were transporting marijuana and hid it after illegally entering the United States. Agents subsequently located and seized the bundles of marijuana weighing 119 pounds with an estimated value of $59,500. The men are being held pending prosecution on federal drug charges.

Tuesday afternoon, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Station stopped a Jeep containing visible bundles of suspected marijuana near Amado, Ariz. Agents apprehended the driver who was identified as an illegal alien from Mexico. The narcotics weighed 466 pounds and have an estimated value of $233,000. In addition, agents recovered a stolen pistol from inside the vehicle. The driver is being prosecuted; the vehicle and weapon were seized.

These interdictions demonstrate the tireless dedication of Border Patrol agents on the frontlines and the effectiveness of surveillance technology and specialty units that enhance border security efforts. In recent months, CBP has taken additional steps to bring greater unity to border enforcement efforts, expand coordination with other agencies, and improve response times.

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.

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