Tucson, Ariz. - Agents assigned to the Ajo Station in the Tucson Sector seized more than 2,800 pounds of marijuana in two separate incidents on Monday.
The first incident happened in the morning hours when an agent assigned to a Forward Operating Base (FOB) spotted 10 to 12 individuals on horseback approximately 3 miles from the border. As the agent was attempting to approach the riders, they cut loose numerous packages from their horses and fled south, towards Mexico. Additional agents and specialty units arrived on scene, but were unable to locate the individuals or the horses. Agents recovered 32 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 770 pounds and valued at approximately $620,000.00.
The second incident also occurred in the morning when agents discovered signs that indicated a vehicle had exited Federal Route 1 and drove off road into the desert in the West Desert area. Agents followed the vehicle tire sign and discovered a vehicle covered with a tarp. Inside the vehicle, agents recovered 143 bundles of marijuana that weighed more than 2,080 pounds. The estimated value of the marijuana is more than $1,665,000.00.
"These seizures demonstrate the variety of methods that criminal organizations use in their attempts to smuggle contraband into the United States," said Acting Patrol Agent in Charge Paul Kuhn. "Our agents did an outstanding job in stopping these drugs from making it to our communities."
From Oct. 1, 2009, to Aug 31, 2010, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol has seized more than 940,000 pounds of marijuana exceeding $752 million in value.