Tucson, A.Z. - A canine team assigned to the Tucson Station working at the Highway 86 Checkpoint discovered a hidden compartment on Tuesday. Agents found more than 280 pounds of marijuana inside the compartment with an estimated value of $230,000.
The canine team was working the primary inspection area and alerted to an odor it was trained to detect inside a truck. The truck was sent to secondary and agents uncovered an aftermarket compartment concealed in the bed of the vehicle. Agents seized more than 280 pounds of marijuana and took the truck and driver to the Tucson Station for processing.
"The Border Patrol has made significant gains in securing our border and continues to make it difficult for smugglers to operate," said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector Mark Rios. "Border Patrol agents continue to remain vigilant against any attempts being made by smugglers."
As the Tucson Sector continues to gain effective control of our borders, smugglers are turning to more desperate means of transporting their narcotics into the United States. Checkpoint operations, paired with effective Border Patrol canine teams and technology continue to thwart the flow of illicit contraband from entering our communities.
The Border Patrol continues to rely on the community to ensure that illicit drugs or activity do not reach further into our communities. Should you see suspicious activity please report it to our toll free number at 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.
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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.