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Border Patrol Seizes Half-Ton of Marijuana, Handguns

Release Date
Wed, 08/17/2011

Tucson, Ariz. - Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana, two vehicles and three handguns in three separate incidents within the last 36 hours.

Thursday morning, Casa Grande Station agents encountered a suspicious vehicle parked on an isolated dirt road. When they approached the vehicle, three subjects fled the scene. Agents apprehended one of the subjects, a 31-year-old Mexican national. The vehicle contained 638 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $319,000. The vehicle and marijuana were seized.

Wednesday, Tucson Station agents encountered a suspicious vehicle driving near Three Points. When agents attempted a vehicle stop, the occupants fled into the desert on foot. Agents then conducted tracking operations and found a loaded 9-mm handgun on the ground. Agents also retrieved two loaded .40-caliber handguns from inside the vehicle. The firearms were transported to the Tucson Police Department for fingerprint analysis and will be further analyzed by Customs and Border Protection.

In another incident Wednesday, agents working on the Camino Del Diablo in the West Desert apprehended three undocumented aliens attempting to smuggle 10 bundles of marijuana weighing 501 pounds. Agents transported the marijuana, worth an estimated $250,000, to the Ajo Station for transfer to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The three subjects are being prosecuted.

Advanced technology, increased infrastructure and additional personnel have significantly increased the Tucson Sector's ability to deter smuggling organizations from transporting their contraband further into the United States.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure, safe border environment to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

Customs and Border Protection appreciates assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling the Border Patrol at (877) 872-7435. All calls will be answered and 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.
Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021