Last week in the Tucson sector executed multiple seizures recently, Tucson Sector Border Patrol seized nearly $538,000 worth of marijuana as well as five vehicles, and arrested 16 subjects in connection with smuggling cases.
On March 24, at the Highway 90 checkpoint near Sierra Vista, Ariz., agents arrested an adult male U.S. citizen who attempted to smuggle more than 85 pounds of marijuana in a Lincoln Navigator. The bundles of marijuana were concealed inside a hollow area under the rear passenger seat and inside a natural void in the driver’s side rear quarter panel. The narcotics were worth approximately $42,800.
Later that afternoon, agents at the Highway 191 checkpoint near Elfrida, Ariz., apprehended four illegal immigrants from a Dodge pickup truck.
On March 29, at approximately 4 a.m., agents from the Brian A. Terry Station seized more than 990 pounds of marijuana near Naco, Ariz. Camera-system operators detected 18 subjects carrying large packs consistent with narcotics smuggling. Agents were advised of the activity and attempted to interdict the subjects. However, the smugglers altered their course while abandoning their packs and returned to Mexico. An extensive search of the area was conducted and agents recovered 53 bundles of marijuana worth in excess of $495,000.
On April 1, at the Interstate 19 checkpoint near Tubac, Ariz., agents arrested an adult female U.S. citizen attempting to smuggle two adult male Mexican nationals in the trunk of a Dodge Neon. Agents detected the stowaways using a nonintrusive X-ray device.
Saturday, Willcox Border Patrol agents arrested two adult male U.S. citizens for alien smuggling and seized a Chevrolet Camaro at the State Route 80 checkpoint near Tombstone. Agents discovered two illegal immigrants concealed in the vehicle’s trunk.
Sunday, agents at the I-19 checkpoint seized a Pontiac sedan and apprehended four subjects for alien smuggling and being illegally present in the U.S.
All subjects are being presented for prosecution. The drugs and vehicles were processed for seizure in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines