Tucson Sector Border Patrol’s marijuana seizes increased in 2013

Border Patrol in the Tucson Sector capped off the year with 120,939 apprehensions compared to a high of 616,346 in fiscal year 2000. Those apprehended included aggravated felons and more than 19,000 people, nearly 16% from countries other than Mexico.

Marijuana seizures totaled 1.1 million pounds, an increase of nearly 120,000 pounds or 11 % over 2012.

Agents also discovered and remediated six illicit tunnels, and a new forward operating base was established, which enables agents to patrol more effectively in remote areas of the desert.

In addition to enforcement duties, agents’ humanitarian efforts resulted in an increase of 18%, more than 800 rescues in 2013, compared to 632 in fiscal 2012. Deaths totaled 194, an increase of 14 over the previous year.