Thread: NM-Border agents pull in 1,202 pounds of pot

Border agents pull in 1,202 pounds of pot

Las Cruces Sun-News
Posted: 07/21/2009 05:25:28 AM MDT

LORDSBURG - U.S. Border Patrol Agents from New Mexico combined their efforts to seize a total of 1,202 pounds of marijuana in three separate incidents over the past six days. The estimated value of the narcotics is $961,600.

The most significant seizure involved the capture of 562 pounds after a group of suspected smugglers were seen walking north carrying backpacks early Monday about two miles from the international border.

Upon approaching the group, agents were fired upon by unknown assailants in the group. Agents returned gunfire, which caused the suspects to flee into the surrounding area. Agents later discovered several bundles of contraband that had been abandoned by the group approximately 20 miles east of Douglas, Ariz.

No injuries are believed to have occurred as a result of the exchange of gunfire. Agents arrested one 23-year old Mexican National in connection with the incident. Agents are continuing their search today for the remaining members of the group. The subject and 562 pounds of marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Two other large marijuana seizures were also made by New Mexico agents during the same period of time. Lordsburg agents seized a total of 355 pounds of abandoned marijuana in their area of operation on July 16, at approximately 4 p.m. The contraband was also turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for disposition.

Then on Saturday, agents from the Deming Station made three arrests and found six backpacks that contained 285 pounds of marijuana. The Deming seizure was the third significant interdiction of narcotics in a six-day period. DEA in Las Cruces will investigate the case.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_12882057

Border agents pull in 1,202 pounds of pot

Las Cruces Sun-News
Posted: 07/21/2009 05:25:28 AM MDT

LORDSBURG - U.S. Border Patrol Agents from New Mexico combined their efforts to seize a total of 1,202 pounds of marijuana in three separate incidents over the past six days. The estimated value of the narcotics is $961,600.

The most significant seizure involved the capture of 562 pounds after a group of suspected smugglers were seen walking north carrying backpacks early Monday about two miles from the international border.

Upon approaching the group, agents were fired upon by unknown assailants in the group. Agents returned gunfire, which caused the suspects to flee into the surrounding area. Agents later discovered several bundles of contraband that had been abandoned by the group approximately 20 miles east of Douglas, Ariz.

No injuries are believed to have occurred as a result of the exchange of gunfire. Agents arrested one 23-year old Mexican National in connection with the incident. Agents are continuing their search today for the remaining members of the group. The subject and 562 pounds of marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Two other large marijuana seizures were also made by New Mexico agents during the same period of time. Lordsburg agents seized a total of 355 pounds of abandoned marijuana in their area of operation on July 16, at approximately 4 p.m. The contraband was also turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for disposition.

Then on Saturday, agents from the Deming Station made three arrests and found six backpacks that contained 285 pounds of marijuana. The Deming seizure was the third significant interdiction of narcotics in a six-day period. DEA in Las Cruces will investigate the case.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_12882057