C.B.P. News Release

CBP U.S. Border Patrol Targets Narcotics Staging Areas

(Friday, March 16, 2012)
Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents are deploying multiple teams to interdict narcotics at smugglers’ staging locations.

Yesterday evening, Ajo Station agents and Air and Marine assets joined forces to implement what the Border Patrol refers to as “targeted enforcement.” Agents operating state of the art imaging systems detected a group of narcotics smugglers traveling on foot to a known staging spot near SR 86, west of Tucson. A Yuma Sector Air and Marine helicopter provided aerial support as agents working on horseback converged on the area. When agents moved in to make the interdiction, the smugglers abandoned their contraband and fled. Agents seized 500 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $250,000. The harsh terrain made it difficult for agents to effect any arrests in conjunction with the seizure.

In a separate incident early today, agents on ATVs discovered 41 bundles of marijuana in an abandoned vehicle staged for transport along FR 21, west of Sells, Ariz. The vehicle and narcotics, weighing 935 pounds and worth an estimated $467,500, were seized for processing.

“As transnational criminal organizations attempt to stage their product for distribution in the United States, our agents continually deploy assets to target and cripple the organizations trying to profit from this criminal activity,” said Richard Barlow, Tucson Sector Border Patrol chief. “The intelligence we accumulate is integrated into our daily operations and allows us to deploy resources rapidly based on specific target locations.”

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

CBP U.S. Border Patrol Targets Narcotics Staging Areas - CBP.gov