Agents seize four tons of marijuana

Posted: Dec 15, 2009 7:06 AM PST
Updated: Dec 15, 2009 7:14 AM PST

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - A busy weekend for agents working in different sectors throughout Southern Arizona.

United States Border Patrol Agents say they seized more than four tons of marijuana with an estimated value of more than $7.8 million.

Agents were using Remote Video Surveillance System technology when they spotted four vehicles driving along the border fence Friday night near Ajo.

Once they arrived to the location and began to track the operation, they were able to locate the four vehicles and discovered 320 bundles of marijuana by the following morning.

Agents say the suspects had already fled the scene.

The marijuana weighed 6,744 pounds with an estimated value of nearly $5.5 million.

In another incident, agents using a thermal camera spotted a group of individuals carrying backpacks on Monday near Ajo.

A Horse Patrol Unit tried to track them down, but the suspects were gone by the time agents arrived.

After searching the area, agents say they found 44 bundles of abandoned marijuana weighing almost 1,000 pounds with an estimated value of more than $750,000.

And in a third incident, an All-Terrain Vehicle Unit approached an area near Lukeville, after agents spotted a group of individuals by using a thermal camera.

Agents say by the time they arrived on scene the individuals were gone, but agents found numerous burlap sacks fitted as backpacks.

The sacks contained 21 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 500 pounds and valued at more than $400,000.

"Border Patrol units such as the Horse Patrol and ATV's are a critical component of our enforcement. They are able to effectively patrol remote areas preferred by the smugglers. The horses offer the added capability of working rocky and challenging terrain that is otherwise inaccessible by traditional methods," said Border Patrol Division Chief of Operations John Fitzpatrick.

In an incident near Casa Grande, agents using a Mobile Surveillance System spotted a vehicle driving near the U.S./Mexican border.

Agents were able to find the vehicle, but not the driver.

Agents seized 65 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,526 pounds with an estimated value of more than $1.2 million.

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