TUCSON, ARIZ. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized marijuana and heroin yesterday with a combined value of nearly $700,000. 

Nogales Station agents assigned to the Interstate 19 checkpoint, conducting a transportation check on a passenger shuttle, questioned a male Mexican national wearing a backpack beneath his jacket. An inspection of the backpack revealed small packages wrapped in black tape, which turned out to be just over six pounds of brown heroin worth an estimated $82,000. The man and narcotics were transported to the Nogales Station for further processing. The Nogales, Sonora native now faces possible federal charges.

Meanwhile, agents assigned to Ajo’s Field Training Unit were conducting training operations in the vicinity of the Village of Gu Vo the west desert when they responded to possible narcotics trafficking and discovered 25 backpacks of marijuana concealed under rocks. The marijuana had a combined weight of 1,195 pounds and an estimated value of $597,500. Agents transported the narcotics to the Ajo Station for processing.

Transnational criminal organizations are using various methods to transport narcotics into our communities. The Tucson Sector Border Patrol, however, is committed to disrupting their attempts.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.

~CBP~

TUCSON, ARIZ. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector, a component of the Joint Field Command-Arizona, seized more than 1,800 pounds of marijuana last night worth an estimated $939,500.

Casa Grande agents responded to detection technology in the West Desert, 10 miles south of Federal Route 42, and discovered tire tracks leading to an abandoned 2000 GMC Tahoe. Agents recovered 119 bundles of marijuana from inside the vehicle, which had been reported stolen to the Peoria Police Department on Oct. 23. The vehicle was turned over to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office while the marijuana, weighing 1,879 pounds, was transported to the Casa Grande Station for processing.

Detection technology improves situational awareness for Border Patrol agents, allowing them to quickly detect and respond to transnational criminal activity. Enhancements in technology are helping agents secure the border and improve the safety and quality of life in Arizona’s communities.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

~CBP~