Border Patrol seizes $633,500 worth of marijuana AZ.

Border Patrol seizes $633,500 worth of marijuana

May 07, 2012 2:36 PM PDT
Updated: May 07, 2012 2:55 PM PDT
by Andrew Vogeney

TUCSON, AZ (CBS5) -
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized approximately 1,267 pounds of marijuana Friday, valued at approximately $633,500, according to Customs and Border Protection.

Casa Grande Station agents using imaging technology and assisted with air assets from the Office of Air and Marine notified ground agents of possible narcotics smugglers near Cowlic, AZ.

Agents responded to the area, apprehended three subjects and seized 12 bundles of marijuana weighing 648 pounds. The narcotics, worth an estimated $324,000, will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The subjects face possible federal charges.

Also on Friday, Sonoita Station agents responding to detection technology discovered a suspicious vehicle driving off-road. When agents attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled to escape capture.

A short time later, agents found the vehicle abandoned with 24 bundles of marijuana inside. After searching the area, agents located and arrested the driver. The narcotics, weighing 619 pounds and valued at $309,500, will be turned over to the DEA. The subject faces potential federal charges.

Transnational criminal organizations are becoming increasingly desperate to get their narcotics into the interior of the United States. To prevent illicit smuggling of drugs and other contraband, the Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance throughout major corridors of egress from our nation's borders.

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.

Border Patrol seizes $633,500 worth of marijuana - CBS 5 - KPHO