C.B.P. News Release

Border Patrol Agents on ATVs Discover Weapons, Narcotics

(Wednesday, June 24, 2009)

Tucson, Ariz. – On Tuesday, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Tucson Sector seized 430 pounds of marijuana along with three shotguns and an AK-47 automatic rifle.

Agents assigned to the Ajo Border Patrol Station All Terrain Vehicle unit discovered the drugs and weapons while they were working in a remote area of the desert. Agents discovered the items after they arrested seven suspected illegal aliens and conducted a search of the nearby area. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $344,000.

Specialty Units operations in remote areas are essential components of both the Border Patrol National Strategy and Tucson Sector efforts to reduce narcotics smuggling in remote areas along the border. In the first eight months of fiscal year 2009 the Tucson Sector Border Patrol has seized 830,000 pounds of marijuana and 42 weapons.

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
Tucson Sector
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (520) 748-3210

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_5.xml