In multiple weekend incidents, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents intercepted more than a million dollars worth of narcotics.
Sunday, a 23-year-old United States citizen was arrested at the checkpoint with 1.75 pounds of heroin concealed under his clothes.
During two incidents at the Interstate 19 checkpoint, Nogales station agents stopped three individuals attempting to smuggle brown-tar heroin. Two Mexican nationals were apprehended Friday; each smuggling 4.5 pounds of the drug. Sunday, a 23-year-old United States citizen was arrested at the checkpoint with 1.75 pounds of heroin concealed under his clothes.
In both cases, the smugglers face federal prosecution by the United States Attorney’s Office. The heroin, with a combined weight of 11 pounds, has an estimated value of $130,000.
Sunday, Casa Grande station agents responding to a citizen’s tip discovered an abandoned vehicle loaded with 1,800 pounds of marijuana. A records check revealed the 2004 Chevy Suburban had been reported stolen out of Avondale, Ariz. Agents searched the area but did not locate any suspects. The marijuana, worth an estimated $915,000, was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Pinal County Sheriff’s Office took custody of the vehicle.