KGUN9 On Your Side, Tucson News, Weather & SportsBorder Patrol Agents Seize 1,280 pounds of Marijuana
Nogales, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Nogales Station seized 27 bundles of marijuana Sunday, totaling 1,280 pounds and with an estimated street value of $960,000.
Agents working near Amado, Ariz., were notified of possible illegal activity in the nearby desert. Agents used remote surveillance technology to confirm the presence of two large groups of possible illegal aliens traveling north through the desert. While approaching the area, agents called for air support from the Customs and Border Protection's Office of Air and Marine (OAM).
Within minutes, OAM pilots arrived and spotted the two groups dispersing and fleeing into the desert. While attempting to locate the suspects, agents on the ground discovered numerous bundles of abandoned marijuana and called for back-up from a canine unit. The suspected illegal aliens fled from the area but were forced to drop their illegal contraband. The marijuana was taken to the Nogales Station for further processing.
As the Border Patrol increases its use of technology and continues to improve its relationship with sister agencies, drug smugglers are finding it increasingly difficult to smuggle their contraband. While the Border Patrol continues to have record-breaking years for narcotics seizures, the agency seeks to become even more effective against all threats to national security along the Nation's borders.
