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  4. Agents Arrest Drug Mule Carrying Meth in the Desert

Agents Arrest Drug Mule Carrying Meth in the Desert

Release Date
Thu, 03/21/2019

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assisted by National Guard helicopter crews working under Operation Guardian Support (OGS), arrested six illegal aliens and seized more than 6 pounds of methamphetamine Tuesday evening. 

The drugs were discovered within a cardboard box inside of a backpack
The drugs were discovered
within a cardboard box inside
of a backpack

Agents from the Tucson Sector Mobile Response Team (MRT) aboard a National Guard helicopter responded to a report of six men walking in a desert area frequently utilized by drug smugglers. MRT agents found and arrested six Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States, after a tracking operation with a K-9 team.

One of the men was carrying four packages of methamphetamine concealed in a cardboard box inside his backpack. A search of the immediate area resulted in the discovery of a two-way radio, a communication method commonly used by smuggling organizations.

Agents transported the six illegal aliens, the drugs and the communication device to the Casa Grande Station for processing.

The men, who have all been previously removed, were turned over to HSI for further investigation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021