TUCSON (AP) - A U.S. Border Patrol agent in the agency's Tucson Sector was assaulted while trying to apprehend suspects during a drug seizure near San Simon.
Authorities say the incident happened Tuesday when the agent came across six suspected smugglers carrying large packages of narcotics.
They say one of the suspects became combative and the agent was forced to use pepper spray.
The agent was able to capture three of them and locate 300 pounds of marijuana.
They say the marijuana has an estimated value of $150,000.
Border Patrol agents also arrested 13 suspects allegedly smuggling marijuana on the same day in western Pima County.
The suspects were caught with more than 500 pounds of marijuana valued at more than $250,000.
