Tucson, Ariz. - Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Station seized more than 1,625 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $1.3 million, in two separate incidents.
Agents working in the West Desert observed a suspicious vehicle driving off-road. A canine team inspected the vehicle, which had been abandoned, and discovered 15 bundles of marijuana, weighing more than 730 pounds. A thorough search of the area was conducted for the smugglers to no avail. The vehicle and marijuana, with a value of more than $584,000, were seized and taken to the Ajo Station for processing.
In a second incident, agents assigned to the Ajo Station were patrolling in the West Desert and observed a suspicious vehicle driving off-road. Agents inspected the vehicle, which had been abandoned, and discovered 39 bundles of marijuana, weighing more than 895 pounds and a value of more than $716,000. The vehicle and marijuana were transported to the Ajo Station for processing.
"Our agents remain dedicated to preventing illegal narcotics from reaching our communities," said Patrol Agent in Charge Jack Jeffreys. "This weekend's seizures are evidence that our agents will remain vigilant as we make it more difficult for smugglers to transport narcotics."
The Border Patrol utilizes several specialty units, such as Canine Teams, that continue to be extremely effective at alerting to the presence of illegal narcotics. From Oct. 1, 2009, to Aug. 31, 2010, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol seized more than 943,000 pounds of marijuana valued in excess of $754 million.