C.B.P. News Release

Border Patrol Nabs $2 Million in Hard Narcotics

(Thursday, March 22, 2012)

Tucson, Ariz. – As part of a multi-layered enforcement effort, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized just over 180 pounds of hard narcotics in the past 48 hours in the Nogales area.

Early yesterday morning, Nogales Station agents conducting patrol duties arrested two Mexican nationals east of the DeConcini Port of Entry. The subjects were in possession of three bundles of narcotics. Two of the bundles contained 171 pounds of cocaine worth almost $2 million. In the third bundle, agents found five containers filled with methamphetamine, weighing seven pounds and worth nearly $86,000. The subjects face possible federal charges. The narcotics will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

In a separate incident Tuesday, a Border Patrol canine team at the I-19 checkpoint alerted to a vehicle, prompting a secondary inspection of the vehicle and driver. Agents found a small bundle of heroin weighing .6 pounds and valued at approximately $9,600 attached to the driver’s thigh. The narcotics will be turned over to the DEA and the driver face possible federal charges.

Border Patrol checkpoints provide a multi-layered approach to border security by restricting highly-trafficked routes of egress from the border region. In doing so, checkpoints are effective in disrupting illicit activity along the Arizona/Mexico border and preventing narcotics from being transported deeper into the U.S.

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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Department of Homeland Security

Border Patrol Nabs $2 Million in Hard Narcotics - CBP.gov