Sonoita Border Patrol Agents Seize $2.2 Million in Drugs

Posted: Mar 30, 2011 1:26 PM PDT
Updated: Mar 30, 2011 1:42 PM PDT
Web Producer: Christina Grande

SONOITA, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Sonoita Border Patrol agents seized over 4,000 pounds of marijuana in the San Rafael Valley and surrounding mountains.

The marijuana was found in six different incidents over a span of seven days starting on March 20, according to Customs and Border Protection .

Several strategies were used by drug smugglers to hide detection from border patrol. Tactics included blending into citizens evacuating the area after attempting to start a wild fire and hiding the drug in stolen or modified vehicles in false compartments.

The marijuana found in these incidents was worth an estimated $2.24 million. This adds to the $270 million the Border Patrol in the Tucson Sector has seized since October 1, 2010.

In response, The Department of Homeland Security has made big investments in personnel, technology, and infrastructure to protect the border against smugglers coming from Mexico.

If you see any suspicious activity the Border Patrol urges you to call 1-877-872-7435. All callers will remain anonymous.

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