TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assisted by their canine partners arrested two U.S. citizens attempting to smuggle drugs at separate immigration checkpoints in Arizona Monday.
Around 1 p.m., a U.S. Border Patrol canine alerted to a vehicle at the immigration checkpoint near Tombstone. Tucson Sector agents referred the vehicle to secondary inspection, where they discovered nearly 7 pounds of cocaine hidden inside its engine compartment. Agents arrested the 25-year-old driver, who was later turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
At 5 p.m. that afternoon, agents arrested a 20-year-old driver at the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint near Amado in a similar encounter. Following a canine alert, agents referred a vehicle to secondary inspection, where they found Marijuana, THC oil, and meth concealed within. The Arizona Department of Public Safety took custody of the case.
marijuana and meth inside of a
vehicle stopped at the
I-19 immigration checkpoint
U.S. Border Patrol canines undergo rigorous training to detect people hidden in vehicles; most are crossed-trained to detect hidden narcotics as well. As partners, they are important tools agents use to accomplish their mission to protect the American people and safeguard our borders.
For more details regarding this news release, contact the Tucson Sector Public Affairs Office at tca-pao@cbp.dhs.gov or by phone at 520-748-3210. Tucson Sector is also LiveU capable. Contact us to schedule an interview.