TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Mobile Response Team arrested four illegal aliens from Mexico Tuesday evening, approximately 17 miles north of the international border near Santa Cruz. The men were found smuggling approximately 321 pounds of marijuana.
MRT agents tracking footprints, belonging to a group of suspected illegal aliens, encountered three men in camouflage hiding in brush. With the assistance of canine units, nearby Casa Grande Station agents, and an Air and Marine Operations flight crew, an additional suspect was apprehended attempting to flee the area.
After arresting the four suspects, agents searched the surrounding area and located nine bundles of marijuana worth an estimated $160,500.
Agents transported the seized marijuana and suspects to Ajo Station for further processing. The smugglers, will remain in custody pending a disposition on charges for drug smuggling and immigration violations.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
