Drugs, weapons and ammo seized by Border Patrol

by Hugh Holub on Apr. 08, 2011, under border issues, border patrol, border patrol tucson sector, mexican drug cartels, politics

US Customs and Border Protection Press Release April 7, 2011:

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Three Smugglers, Seize Drugs, Weapons, Ammunition in 24 hours

TUCSON, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector working in the West Desert area arrested three drug smugglers and seized 1,100 pounds of marijuana, an AK-47 style assault rifle, and 923 rounds of ammunition in three separate incidents within 24 hours.

Early yesterday morning, agents operating a remote video surveillance system (RVSS) observed cross-border activity east of Lukeville, Ariz. Agents responded and recovered 803 rounds of assault rifle ammunition, several swords and other rifle parts. The weapons and ammunition were seized pending transfer to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). (Photos available)

Wednesday morning, Border Patrol agents operating a RVSS observed possible illicit activity east of Lukeville, Ariz. Agents responded and apprehended three suspected smugglers and seized 21 bundles of marijuana. The narcotics weighed 1,100 pounds, with an estimated value of $550,000 and the subjects face federal drug smuggling charges. (Photos available)

Later that day, Border Patrol agents patrolling on Federal Route 15 stopped a suspicious vehicle driving northwest of Sells, Ariz. Agents subsequently determined the passenger was an illegal alien. Further inspection of the vehicle yielded an AK-47 style assault rifle, a rifle magazine and 120 rounds of ammunition. Both subjects were taken into custody. The weapon and ammunition were seized pending transfer to the ATF.

The Border Patrol regularly adapts and shifts resources to mitigate smuggling activity and counter threats posed by transnational criminal organizations.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments towards establishing a secure and safe border environment and improving the quality of life of affected communities throughout the state of Arizona.

~CBP~

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. To report suspicious activity and remain anonymous, please toll free 1-877-872-7435.

Regarding the AK 47 the Border Patrol seized…one wonders if it was bought in a Phoenix gun shop under the watchful eyes of the ATF which is noted for allowing weapons to “walkâ€