TUCSON, Ariz. – During the past week, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents have seized marijuana and methamphetamines, and arrested three subjects being smuggled into the U.S.
Casa Grande Border Patrol agents participating in joint operations Sunday with agents and officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, and a Customs and Border Protection helicopter crew, responded to a call regarding suspected illegal activity near Ventana, Ariz.
Upon arrival, agents and officers discovered tire tracks leading to two abandoned vehicles and 50 bundles of marijuana concealed by vegetation. The vehicles and 1,147 pounds of narcotics, worth more than $573,500, were seized.
In a separate incident, agents seized 511 pounds of abandoned marijuana worth $255,500.
Agents working at the Interstate 19 checkpoint on Tuesday discovered three undocumented aliens hidden in a vehicle attempting to enter the country illegally. Four other people traveling in the vehicle face possible prosecution for alien smuggling.
In two other incidents at the checkpoint, agents seized more than four pounds of meth worth $40,000 from two commercial shuttle vans. All narcotics seized were turned over to the DEA.
Through targeted enforcement and multi-agency cooperation, Tucson Sector Border Patrol continues to make significant progress in disrupting and denying criminal organizations the opportunity to operate along the Sonora/Arizona border. Checkpoints continue to restrict major routes of egress from the border, preventing smugglers from transporting people, drugs and other contraband to the interior of the United States.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.
