C.B.P. News Release

Week Brings $12.2M in Narcotics, $1.2M in Cash Seized by CBP in Arizona

(Thursday, June 23, 2011)

Tucson, Ariz. - The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Arizona Joint Field Command is reporting the seizure of more than 18,320 pounds of narcotics with an estimated value of more than $12.2 million and the apprehension of 2,307 illegal aliens at the Arizona border for the period of June 13-19.

The narcotics seizures consisted of more than 18,035 pounds of marijuana, 46 pounds of methamphetamines, 201 pounds of cocaine and 31 pounds of heroin. CBP also intercepted and seized $1,212,048 in illicit outbound currency, six weapons and 32 vehicles used for illicit purposes.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Janet Napolitano has engaged in an unprecedented effort to bring focus and intensity to Southwest border security, coupled with a reinvigorated, smart and effective approach to enforcing immigration laws in the interior of our country.

The Joint Field Command integrates the combined assets of the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors, the Office of Field Operations Tucson Field Office, and the Office of Air and Marine’s Tucson and Yuma Air Branches, enabling CBP leadership in the Arizona area of operations to direct an integrated approach to our mission of border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation.

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.

Contacts For This News Release
Victor Brabble
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (202) 534-8310

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 232011.xml