Thread: $2.3 million of pot seized in one day near Arizona-Mexico border

$2.3 million of pot seized in one day near Arizona-Mexico border

Border Patrol agents discovered this abandoned Chevy Suburban loaded with 85 bundles of marijuana -- worth $862,000. The seizure was one of three from abandoned SUVs in southern Arizona on the same day. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

By Cindy CarcamoJanuary 16, 2013, 12:24 p.m.

Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona seized 4,585 pounds of marijuana from three abandoned SUVs in separate incidents on the same day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials reported.

All of the seizures Monday took place a couple of hours west of Tucson.
“Frustrated smugglers often abandon their contraband in hopes of eluding apprehension and subsequent prosecution,” officials said in a statement.

In the first incident, agents patrolling in all-terrain vehicles near the town of Why discovered an abandoned Chevy Suburban filled with 85 bundles of pot -- an estimated $862,000 value, officials said.

Later in Monday, agents spotted and followed vehicle tire tracks to a wash and found an abandoned 2003 Chevy Tahoe loaded with 66 bundles of marijuana -- a $670,000 value.

That same night, agents working near the town of Pia Oik found another abandoned 2003 Chevy Tahoe hiding in dense brush. Inside they found 76 bundles of marijuana -- worth about $760,500, officials reported.

The vehicles and drugs were taken to the Border Patrol Station in Ajo, Ariz., and were expected to be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-nn-na-arizona-pot-seizure-20130116,0,262175.story

Agents seize 1,250 pounds of marijuana, arrest 12

Posted: Jan 17, 2013 4:17 AM PST
Updated: Jan 17, 2013 5:07 AM PST


Courtesy: Customs and Border Protection




TUCSON, Ariz. - Authorities say a dozen suspected drug smugglers have been arrested and 1,250 pounds of marijuana seized by agents patrolling in southern Arizona.

The U.S. Border Patrol says agents from its Ajo station called in air support late Tuesday night after spotting the group of smugglers carrying bundles of marijuana.

The agency says 11 adults and one juvenile were arrested near Pia Oik and authorities say all will face federal prosecution for narcotics smuggling.

Border Patrol officials estimate the marijuana to be worth about $625,000.

Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/20610950/agents-seize-1250-pounds-of-marijuana-arrest-12