C.B.P. News Release

CBP Agents In Southern Arizona Seize More Than 3,000 Pounds of Marijuana Over Long Weekend

(Monday, December 05, 2011)

Tucson, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector, a component of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, seized 3,159 pounds of marijuana, worth more than $1.5 million, during multiple weekend seizures.

Monday night, Casa Grande Station agents using detection technology responded to a group of suspected narcotics smugglers. With the assistance of a CBP aircraft, agents apprehended ten subjects and seized 608 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $304,000. The narcotics were transported to the Ajo Station for further processing. The subjects face possible federal drug charges.

Monday afternoon, Douglas Station agents responded to notification from a mobile surveillance system operator of a suspicious truck driving off road, northbound from the international border. Agents approached the vehicle, initiated a vehicle stop, and discovered 441 bricks of marijuana concealed throughout the vehicle. The bricks, weighing 760 pounds and worth an estimated $380,000, were seized along with the vehicle. The driver, a United States citizen, was arrested.

Saturday morning, Ajo agents operating mobile surveillance equipment observed a group of suspected narcotics smugglers just north of the border. When agents responded, they found 10 bundles of abandoned marijuana weighing nearly 513 pounds and valued at $256,000.

Friday, mobile surveillance operators from Douglas notified agents of narcotics smugglers just north of the border. As agents responded, the subjects ran back into Mexico. Coordinated efforts were made with Mexican authorities who then captured the subjects in possession of 132 pounds of marijuana.

Also on Friday, Ajo agents assisted by CBP air assets located 16 bundles of abandoned marijuana weighing 801 pounds and valued at $400,500.

In a separate incident Friday, Ajo agents apprehended a female United States citizen attempting to traffic 223 pounds of marijuana into the United States worth $111,500. Following her arrest, she admitted having an alliance to the “Red Prideâ€