Night-vision equipment helps Border Patrol capture drug smugglers

Published on Wednesday, 17 July 2013 19:25
Written by Border Scope

Yuma, Arizona - U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector arrested two smugglers early yesterday with the help of night-vision equipment. The smugglers were carrying a total of 146 pounds of marijuana valued at an estimated $73,000.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., an agent using night-vision equipment spotted two men walking through the open desert west of Gila Bend, Ariz. Other agents were guided to the area and arrested two Mexican nationals carrying oversized backpacks full of the narcotics. The smugglers and drugs were turned over to the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office for prosecution.

Night-vision equipment enables Border Patrol agents to successfully enhance border security in remote regions by allowing agents to spot smugglers in their forward progress, whereas agents would typically rely on following smugglers’ footprints after they have walked through an area. This added advantage has led to countless apprehensions along drug smuggling routes through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

The Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector effectively combats smuggling organizations attempting to transport contraband through southwestern Arizona. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.
http://www.yumanewsnow.com/index.php/news/border/3775-night-vision-equipment-helps-border-patrol-capture-drug-smugglers