Earlier this month, a rancher in the Animus area was kidnapped by drug smugglers and on Tuesday a U.S. Border Patrol agent in the Tucson Sector was assaulted during a drug seizure involving six smugglers with 300 pounds of marijuana. Since Monday, agents thwarted smuggling operations involving narcotics, illegal immigrants and weapons.
Tuesday’s incident occurred near San Simon, Arizona, when an agent encountered six subjects carrying large packs of narcotics. During the apprehension, one individual became combative, forcing the agent to use pepper spray to subdue the subject. The agent was able to apprehend three of the subjects and seize 300 pounds of marijuana, valued at $150,000.
In another incident yesterday, Border Patrol agents operating cameras spotted 13 people carrying large packs of suspected marijuana near Bates Mountain in western Pima County. Agents responded to the area with help from an Air and Marine Operations crew and apprehended the subjects with 514 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $257,000.
Agents working the I-19 checkpoint Monday arrested two men, a U.S. citizen and a Mexican national, after finding six pounds of methamphetamine during a secondary inspection of a Ford F-150 pickup truck. A narcotics-detection canine alerted agents to the vehicle’s engine compartment where they found the drugs, worth about $30,000. Agents seized the drugs and vehicle.
Two additional U. S. citizens were arrested just outside of Douglas, Arizona, for smuggling three illegal aliens. The female driver was also in possession of a handgun.
The cartels are becoming very aggressive, according to sources. One source reported on Wednesday that last week, one area rancher found six men in his home, who appeared to have entered the country and his home illegally. He refused their demand that he drive them north. They offered him $10,000 for the ride, but he rejected that offer and called Border Patrol.
These incidents highlight the threats the ranchers and Border Patrol agents encounter daily. Subjects engaging in illegal activities often carry weapons and will do anything to evade arrest. Border security is a joint effort between Customs and Border Protection, other law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders. CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.