2-month operation yields over 700 arrests, $4.4m in pot

Posted: May 31, 2011 5:55 PM
Updated: May 31, 2011 5:56 PM

TUCSON - A two-month "Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats" operation run by multiple agencies in the Silver Bell Mountains resulted in 732 illegal immigrant arrests, and the seizure of more than 8,900 pounds of marijuana and 17 weapons.

The operation, which ended on may 20, was lead by the Tucson Sector Border Patrol, who was focused on apprehending smugglers and disrupting the activities of transnational criminal organizations operating in the Silver Bell Mountains, according to a release from Customs and Border Protection.

"The significant results from operations such as this prove that all the efforts to increase border security are working," said Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent Randy Hill. "Multi-agency partnerships and cooperation are essential to making our communities safer."

In addition to 732 illegal immigrants arrested, the operation also resulted in the arrest of one United States citizen, the seizure of 8,925 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $4.4 million, and the seizure of 17 firearms, CBP says.

The following agencies cooperated and coordinated in this intelligence-driven operation:

• Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO)
• Pima County Sheriff's Department Border Crimes Unit (PCSD BCU)
• Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS)
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
• U.S. Border Patrol, Tucson Sector
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO)
• Marana Police Department (MPD)
• Eloy Police Department (EPD)
• Tucson Police Department (TPD)
• Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD)

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