Press Release - Tucson Sector PIO
Posted by AP December 7, 2006
Border Patrol seizes more than six tons of marijuana in two days
Tucson - 12.7.06 -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson, Ariz. sector, seized 13,139 pounds of marijuana over the last two days. The combined value of the marijuana is more than $10.5 million.
The largest seizure occurred yesterday, at 8:30 p.m., when agents assigned to the Nogales, Ariz. station observed two 4X4 trucks driving north from the U.S./ Mexico border. An agent patrolling the area followed the tire tracks to a nearby residence where with the assistance of the Nogales Police Department the agent and police officers discovered marijuana bundles in the two vehicles. A total of 5,355 pounds of marijuana worth $4,284,000 was seized.
In a separate incident, National Guard troops assigned to Operation Jumpstart performing surveillance at an Entry Identification Team site reported that two pick-ups had crossed the international border into the United States west of Sasabe, Ariz. Border Patrol Agents nearby responded and encountered the vehicles traveling north on Highway 286. Once the smugglers observed the agent,s, they attempted to evade arrest; one of them rammed an agent,s patrol car, sped away, lost control and rolled over. Agents were able to arrest the driver, but the passenger absconded. The other truck was stopped the occupants arrested.
A total of 3,318 pounds of marijuana was seized from both trucks, one of which was reported stolen out of Tucson, Ariz. All three suspects are being held for prosecution.
This fiscal year from October 1, through November 30, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents have seized 116,965 pounds of marijuana. This is 30% increase over the same time frame last fiscal year (90,263 pounds).
