May 11, 10

NEWS / Border Patrol Seizes Vehicle, $1.2 Million in Marijuana in Arizona

Tucson, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Willcox Station seized more than 1,500 pounds of marijuana hidden inside an abandoned vehicle early Monday. The contraband is valued at more than $1.2 million.

Agents were responding to suspected illegal activity when they discovered a pickup truck in a ditch. The driver had rendered the vehicle immobile before absconding. Inside the truck, agents found 74 bundles of marijuana. A search of the area, however, yielded negative results for additional contraband or suspects. The vehicle and marijuana were seized and transported for processing.

Deterring criminal activity and improving the quality of life for communities are top priorities for the U.S. Border Patrol. Tucson Sector agents remain vigilant despite continuous attempts from smugglers to cross contraband into the United States. From Oct. 1, 2009, to April 30, 2010, agents in the Tucson Sector seized approximately 552,000 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $441 million.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/local/05102010.xml