Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 6,100 pounds of marijuana yesterday afternoon worth an estimated $3.1 million.
Douglas Station agents, working in collaboration with agents from the Hedglin Forward Operation Base, responded to reports of suspected narcotics smuggling east of Douglas, Arizona. Agents encountered and attempted to make contact with a Chevrolet Sierra pickup when two occupants were observed fleeing from the vehicle. The two absconding suspects, both Mexican nationals, were apprehended and are facing possible federal prosecution. Search of the truck revealed 1,554 pounds of marijuana inside valued at $777,000. The vehicle was seized and the narcotics were turned over to the DEA.
A short time later, agents from the Nogales Station, with assistance from various detection technologies, observed a Ford Econoline driving away from the International Boundary. Responding agents discovered the vehicle abandoned a short distance from the border. The van contained 189 bundles of marijuana weighing over 4,600 pounds, valued at approximately $2,300,250. Both the vehicle and the marijuana were seized and transported to the Nogales Station for further processing according to Tucson Sector guidelines.